BIBLE READING: Acts 24.24-25

The Jews wanted to destroy Paul, but he had mercifully come into Roman custody during their last aggression (Acts 21.30-33). As a Roman citizen, Paul was able to manipulate the situation in his favor and was transported to the governor Felix for a proper hearing (Acts 23.16-24).  The Jewish authorities employed a professional spokesperson who buttered up the governor and bullied Paul with false accusations (Acts 24.1-9). But Paul was unphased. He boldly explained his teaching “according to the Way” and reasonably challenged their accusations (Acts 24.10-21).

It appears both the topic and the interaction piqued Felix’s interest. Perhaps Felix was intrigued by Paul’s boldness and self-control in this moment. No doubt, Paul behavior in this circumstance was an unusual sight. But we’re also told Felix was familiar with “the Way” and wanted to hear more; so, he put the Jews off (Acts 24.22).

After some days, he listened to Paul teach about faith in Christ Jesus. “And as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed…” (Acts 24.25). His demeanor immediately changed with such invasive teaching. Despite Felix’s accurate knowledge of “the Way” (24.22), the applications regarding righteousness and self-control were shocking. “…and [he] said, “Go away for the present…” (24.25b).

Felix’s response should draw our attention. In nearly every age, self-control is counter cultural. Sure, it is noble and necessary [sometimes], but culture’s inherent selfishness will never tolerate it. Perhaps this was too personal for Felix. Perhaps he had vices he was unwilling to let go. Perhaps the influences of a carnal culture and political aspirations glowed too brightly. Perhaps he simply didn’t want to accept the changes Paul had explained so clearly. I suppose this could be true for us all. We war with the desires of the flesh which are clear and pressing (Galatians 5.17). We would rather indulge than make hard changes that God calls us to make. But when it comes down to it, faith in Christ rests on our willingness to bear fruit of self-control.

I believe this virtue completes the list of fruits of the Spirit on purpose. Just as life in the Spirit is initiated by love observed and practiced (1 John 3.1), it is sustained and secured through daily dying to self (Romans 12.1-2) and learning to control the desires of the flesh (Romans 8.13). In a word, to walk by the Spirit we must have self-control.

This admonition is critical and practical. “A [person] without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Proverbs 25.28). In other words, self-control is the basic defense against influences around us. It keeps us from getting swept up in the emotion of the moment or the persuasion of others. It helps us to see our own selfish for what it is and what we must do about it. Those around us may scoff at our restraint (1 Peter 4.3-5), but we must “discipline ourselves for godliness” (1 Timothy 4.7-8). “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…” (Titus 2.11-12).

You may feel inconsistent and challenged to engage in daily discipline and self-control. But the truth is this: Good fruit comes from good roots. When Jesus’ teaching and example are rooted in your heart, you will bear the fruit of self-control.

BIBLE READING: Galatians 6.1

Think about things we handle gently:

• Delicate items like fine china or old pictures.
• Objects that can break easily like eggs or mirrors.
• Things that are fragile and helpless like a wounded animal or a newborn child.

To properly handle these things requires a thoughtful approach, a practiced touch and maturity. We are not born with an inclination towards gentleness. If you don’t believe me, watch children play with anything. There’s a reason they get plasticware and not fine china. Watch them interact with others who are hurt. They look dumbfounded. But with experience and maturity they learn to handle objects and circumstances with gentleness. Such is true in our spiritual walk. It requires maturity and learning to deal with fragile people and their circumstances.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” (Galatians 6.1).

You can’t handle this kind of person with a heavy hand. It’s like when animals are caught in a trap. They tend to respond from fear rather than gratitude. They react in self-defense even to those who want to help. Those who approach them must not only be aware of their condition but of the effects it has had on them. So, it is with people overtaken with sin. Their spirits have been damaged by the lies of the devil, their own failure to overcome, and hurts from unmet expectations. They are afraid and often lash out against those who are trying to help them.

As we walk by the Spirit, we must develop a spirit of gentleness in our approach to others. We must understand that sin causes damage and distress, and requires both patience and gentleness. Of course, this quality is learned from Jesus. In contrast to the staunch and unapproachable Pharisees, Jesus would go to the needy, helpless and suffering with an offering of hope. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls” (Matthew 11.28-29). He would deal gently even with the misguided Pharisees and his disciples along the way (ex. John 9.40-41 and Matthew 16.5-12). Even in his perfect understanding, Jesus gently cared for the spirits of people with a thoughtful approach and practiced touch.

Gentleness is a defining quality of the spiritual person and is paramount in our relationships with one another (Galatians 6.1). In fact, it is a primary means through which we develop and foster unity, (Ephesians 4.2), and is something spiritual people should be eager to maintain (Ephesians 4.3). As Paul would say, our practice of gentleness is a worthy and proper response to the calling of Jesus (Ephesians 4.1). So, let us “be gentle, and… show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3.2).

BIBLE READING: Luke 12.35-48

The way things are in our world, faithfulness is rare. Our culture supports the pursuit of the immediate and trendy, conditioning hearts and minds to move from thing to thing and person to person without much thought. We are encouraged to try activities and friendships on like clothing to find the right fit. And though there’s nothing wrong with searching for the talents and relationships that will allow us grow, we must plant the seeds of faithfulness in our heart.

Faithfulness is the basic calling of every believer. After all, “we are saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2.8). “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11.6). It is fundamental and critical; but do we understand the expected fruit of faithfulness? Jesus instructs us with a parable in Luke 12.35-48.

“Who then in the wise and faithful manager?” (Luke 12.42). It is someone…

• …Always ready to serve the master (Luke 12.36). These men had a “mundane” role, but they were ready the moment the master knocked on the door.  They were waiting and prepared to do what the master employed them to do. We must understand our role as servants (Luke 17.10) and always be prepared to serve, even in the most mundane ways. This requires determination to stay…
• …Awake and aware (Luke 12.37). Faithful people aren’t lulled into apathy. They aren’t looking for ‘better’ opportunities to fulfil their wants. They are determined to fulfil their role and make the best use of their time (Ephesians 5.14-17). Notice these faithful servants don’t indulge in thoughtless pleasure like others (12.45b). They don’t presume they’ll have another opportunity (12.45a). They don’t presume they know what the master is up to (12.46). They have their mind fixed on what the master wants from them.
• …Doing what they know is right (Luke 12.43). They don’t put off their work. They don’t let their desires get the best of them. They rise to the expectation, understanding the calling and purpose of the master (12.48b). They are stewards and the right thing to do is to honor the master with faithful service. As Paul would remind you and me, we are stewards, and it is required that stewards be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4.1-2)

It’s important to note that Jesus packages his answer in the context of the reward (Luke 12.42-44). It is the faithful who will be rewarded, blessed and served by the master himself (Luke 12.37b)! This should be obvious but sends a clear message: faithfulness is not optional. We have been called to faithfulness by the One who is faithful to always do what he says (Deuteronomy 7.9; 2 Thessalonians 3.3; Hebrews 10.23). It is by his faithfulness and our efforts to imitate it that we experience forgiveness of sins (Proverbs 16.6). And so, “let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3.3-4).

BIBLE READING: Titus 3.1-8

In our vocabulary, being “good” is often expressed as just a step above mediocre. Its usage lacks a punch, so we often attach to it superlatives such as “very” or “extremely” to increase its impact. It is sad that we have saturated such a potent word, especially one that is intended to express the nature of God and his work.

James 1.17 tells us, “Every good… and perfect gift comes from [God].” When God made the world, he saw that it was “good” (Genesis 1.4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Everything was complete and just as it should be (“finished”, Genesis 2.1-2). The baseline reality of this world is that good comes from God. It is defined by the rightness with which he designed both the world and its working. Therefore, any deviation from God’s design, pattern and ways is no longer good. In fact, the scriptures paint a clear dichotomy in Genesis 3 when Eve chose to do something other than God’s will. There was not a gray area of ignorance or relative goodness; but a very definite line defining good and evil (Genesis 3.22). In the many years following that event humanity has blurred the line of good and evil; but it has only solidified the reality that goodness comes from God.

Fast forward the NT where Jesus exposed the faulty trust many put in relative goodness. A young, upstanding, religious man comes to him and says, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18.18-19). Jesus responds with, “Why do you call Me good?  No one is good except God alone.” This probably took him off guard as it might us. In terms of what society defined a “nice guy,” this young man probably was the quintessential model.  Yet he wasn’t good in terms of Jesus’ definition of good.  He loved his things more than God, and that was his downfall.

What we learn from this is when the Bible speaks of goodness as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22, Ephesians 5.9), it doesn’t simply mean that a person is a model citizen, polite, respectful, tolerant, and just nice. It means they are practicing righteousness and reflecting what they see God doing (3 John 1.11). For us to be good like God, we must be more than nice.  We must be holy and righteous, humble and penitent, forgiving and loving.

Some people put on a good show, yet they are not good.  God calls us to be holy in what we do and say because we have a heart that seeks goodness. We must not be merely polished with goodness, but filled with it (Romans 15.14).

“Goodness” is a lifelong pursuit of being recreated the way God intended for us to live. To experience the fruit of the Spirit called goodness is to show the holiness of God through a transformed heart ruled by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“…when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us… so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.” (Titus 3.4-8)

BIBLE READING: Ephesians 4.31-32

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” (Unknown)

I’m not sure I’ve ever met a person who does not want kindness. In today’s society, people generally agree that more kindness would make the world a better place. It’s posted on billboards and social media sites, T-shirts, and posters for your home. Though kindness is not new, “Be kind!” has become an unofficial slogan on which a culture steeped in tolerance, affirmation, and acceptance runs.

But for all the talk about kindness, our world is growing increasingly unkind. If kindness is so popular, why isn’t it catching on? Perhaps this brand of kindness is lacking, pretending to do and be good while unable to produce any real changes. In a world that’s hungry for kindness but often finds only emptiness, we need a biblical reset.

Fundamentally kindness is an expression of faithfulness. In the Old Testament it is rooted in God’s “checed” [org. Hebrew], a powerful word representing grace, mercy, faithfulness, justice and kindness as a Divine conglomerate. In other words, these work together to demonstrate the robust nature of God’s commitment. In the Old Testament, people expressed kindness as a direct outflow of promises, causing them to communicate peace in the present and future to those needing mercy (Genesis 50.19-21). People often appealed for, and even expected, kindness based on their previous actions of faithfulness towards another (Genesis 19.19; 21.23; 47.29-31). Godly kindness isn’t moved by shallow responses, but by deeper desires for the long term good of others.

For this reason, the bible teaches that kindness is a leading quality. It’s not just trying to produce a smile on your face, but a change in your heart. When God showed kindness, it was with hope of bringing us to repentance (Romans 2.4). As we practice kindness, it must be with expectation of pointing to God’s mercy to and through us (see Luke 6.35). Cultural kindness views our actions as an end in itself, leading to inner peace and self-satisfaction. But these are short-lived because they have no inherent value. Instead, kindness is a means to the greater end of showing God’s mercy, forgiveness and love. So, kindness is of no value unless it leads others to change. Contrary to cultural kindness, biblical kindness wants the best in others even when they don’t want it for themselves. For this reason, kindness often comes at a cost.

As we learn from Jesus, kindness is a sacrificial quality. He gave, loved and served others for their good. In the face of injustice, "he opened not his mouth" (Isaiah 53.7). Kindness is most needed in the context of injustice wickedness, but can easily be discarded or weaponized. In fact, cultural kindness is often repackaged as a means of spite (“kill them with kindness”), but biblical kindness has no such motive. Instead, it speaks the truth in love and seeks to reconcile and serve as an expression of what we have experienced from God (Luke 6.32-35).

The world needs more kindness, but this brand of kindness will not be popular or even accepted by many. However, this kindness will have a lasting impact on this world and you (Proverbs 11.17). So, in a world where you can be anything, “be kind, like Jesus” (Ephesians 4.32).