Long-Suffering.
“With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love.” Eph. 4:2. When we put on Christ, we put on his nature and characteristics. He was long-suffering; and we are commanded to put on as the elect of God “bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering.” Col. 3:12.
Gentleness.
The apostle speaks of his gentleness on one occasion in these words: “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.” 1 Thes. [pg 108] 2:7. “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men.” 2 Tim. 2:24. “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” Tit. 3:2. That wisdom which is from above is gentle. Jas. 3:17. Cultivate the grace of gentleness and thus glorify God.
Goodness.
“For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” Eph. 5:9. “Doing good unto all men as we have opportunity” is the command of God: “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” 1 Thes. 5:15. Let goodness fill our actions toward all. Be good.
Faith.
If you have faith in God prove it by your works. Your works are the fruit. Why are you discouraged and cast down if you have faith? Why do you seek protection from the world if you have faith in God? Why do you fear and tremble if you have faith? Faith has subdued kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, caused the sun to stand still, escaped the edge of the sword, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Faith overcomes the world and pleases God. Show your faith by your works and thus honor the name of Jesus.
Meekness.
This is a beautiful fruit of the Spirit. It is almost synonymous with humility. Christ was meek and lowly. We are to be like him. “Show all meekness unto all men.” God will “beautify the meek with salvation.” We are commanded to put on meekness. Col. 3:12, 13. Wear it constantly, long usage will not impair it. We are to manifest meekness in our whole conduct. Jas. 3:13. We must instruct those who oppose us, in meekness. 2 Tim. 2:24, 25. Meekness is necessary to a Christian walk. Eph. 4:1, 2. With it we are to restore the erring. Gal. 6:1. It is precious in the sight of God. 1 Pet 3:4.