Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, I. Let us contemplate THE EXCELLENCY OF CHRISTIAN BENEVOLENCE: it is the most amiable and noble part of charity. 1. It must be acknowledged by all, that there is something peculiarly amiable in that goodness which springs from the influence of the Holy Spirit. It wears a mild and winning aspect. It possesses a powerful and prevailing charm. It brings forth abundant fruit, at once pleasant to the eye and wholesome to the taste. This grace has something in it peculiarly amiable and attractive. Goodness is a God-like attribute, that finds pleasure m diffusing happiness. It is the gospel embodied. 2. That goodness which is the fruit of the Spirit, is a most noble and exalted grace. It is genuine, disinterested, cheerful, and unostentatious benevolence. II. Let us point out THE FIELD WHICH OPENS FOR THE EXERCISE OF CHRISTIAN BENEVOLENCE. 1. We must exert ourselves to do good in the world. (1) By using every proper means to suppress folly, vice, and immorality in the world. (2) By relieving the sick, and assisting the poor. (3) By instructing the ignorant, or contributing to promote their instruction. 2. We must exert ourselves to do good in the Church. III. I SHALL ADDUCE SOME CONSIDERATIONS AS MOTIVES TO THE EXERCISE OF BENEVOLENCE. 1. Consider that the express commands of God require you to be active in doing good. 2. As another motive to do good, consider the bright examples of benevolence set before you. 3. As another motive to do good, consider the present pleasure there is in all the exercises of benevolence. 4. As a motive to do good, consider the amazing love and condescension of our Lord Jesus Christ. 5. As another motive to do good, consider that your continuance on earth is both short and uncertain. Opportunity has been called the flower of time; let it not bloom and wither neglected. Be on the watch, to seize every occasion that offers for doing good. There are favourable circumstances which ought to be instantly improved. While the soil is soft, let the seed be cast in; while the sun shines, defer not to secure the precious harvest. (John Thornton.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,WEB: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, |
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