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The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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JOY—Inner assurance <strong>of</strong> God’s love that is not affected by circumstances.<br />

Joy is frequently associated with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Holy</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong> (Acts 13:52) and Paul describes it as inspired<br />

by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Holy</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong> (I <strong>The</strong>ss. 1:6). <strong>The</strong> word is used 60 times in <strong>the</strong> New Testament with <strong>the</strong> word<br />

“rejoice” being used 72 times. It is <strong>the</strong> most typical and popular Christian greeting (Mt. 28:8).<br />

Joy is that inner sense <strong>of</strong> delight and gladness which springs from <strong>the</strong> consciousness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

presence <strong>of</strong> God. It is a “holy optimism” which keeps a person going in spirit <strong>of</strong> difficulties.<br />

PEACE—Cessation <strong>of</strong> strife and well-being (harmony).<br />

<strong>The</strong> word peace (shalom) is used 88 times in <strong>the</strong> New Testament. Next to joy it is <strong>the</strong> most<br />

popular Christian greeting in <strong>the</strong> New Testament. Paul refers to <strong>the</strong> peace <strong>of</strong> God as “surpassing<br />

all understanding” (Phil. 4:7)—peace that goes beyond our reasoning powers.<br />

As Jesus spoke <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Comforter to come He assured His disciple, “Peace I leave with you;<br />

My peace I give you. I do not give you as <strong>the</strong> world gives” (Jn 14:27). <strong>The</strong> peace that <strong>the</strong> world<br />

gives is based on circumstances (happenstances). God’s peace is grounded in His character, His<br />

promises and faithfulness. Peace is being secure in His love (Rom. 8:38-39).<br />

BELIEVER’S RELATION TO OTHERS: Patience, Kindness and Goodness<br />

PATIENCE—Positively putting up with o<strong>the</strong>rs when severely tried.<br />

<strong>The</strong> primary meaning is patience with people although it includes patience in difficult<br />

circumstances. It means “forbearance” or “longsuffering” (I Cor. 13:4). It is <strong>the</strong> willingness to<br />

“suffer long” for <strong>the</strong> benefit <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Greek word paus is commonly used in <strong>the</strong> New Testament to describe <strong>the</strong> attitude <strong>of</strong><br />

God and Jesus towards people (Rom 2:4; I Pet. 3:20). Continually in <strong>the</strong> Bible we see <strong>the</strong> picture<br />

<strong>of</strong> God <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r and Jesus suffering long, bearing with people in all <strong>the</strong>ir sinning and rebellion,<br />

all <strong>the</strong>ir apathy and unconcern. He does not draw back when people spurn His love.<br />

Patience is manifest when we refuse to retaliate for wrong done to us. Christ has left us a<br />

great example in this respect (I Pet. 2:20-25). When we are patient we show forth <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

Christ.

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