Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
(From the book "Conquering Anxiety" by Sara Ann DuBose.) Can a Christian have all of these qualities of fruit and still be filled with anxiety? Of course not. Maybe we should consider why.
Love. An anxious person is overcome with thoughts of self. When self concerns fill the mind it is difficult, if not impossible, to show love to others.
Joy. An anxious person moans, complains, pouts or sulks over life's difficulties. Consumed by burdens, the anxious person experiences no joy.
Peace. An anxious person runs back and forth through the world searching for an answer or an escape from the anxiety and nervousness. However, since he or she is out of fellowship with God there is no peace, only worry and confusion.
Patience. An anxious person is often hurried and can act too quickly when making a judgment or decision. This restlessness and intolerance does nothing to attract friends to the individual or to Christ.
Kindness. An anxious person is often so frustrated with his or her own problems that no attention or time is given to the needs of others. Filled with selfish thoughts, this person rarely listens to others and may be annoyed when they ask for advice or help.
Goodness. An anxious person may possess integrity in moral life yet have such a fixed thought pattern of self interest that thoughtfulness and consideration are either lacking or absent in everyday living.
Faithfulness. An anxious person may begin to drift out of fellowship with God. Neglecting the Word and prayer only leads the individual into more anxiety and unhappiness.
Gentleness. An anxious person comes across as being abrasive and harsh. Even when efforts are made to be polite others can sense the worry and nervousness from facial expressions and the tone of voice.
Self-control. An anxious person has a problem with restraint and self-discipline. Indulgent, this individual often seeks pleasures and possessions more than grace, growth and godliness.
Sara Ann DuBose, Conquering Anxiety (Atlanta, GA: Committee for Christian Education & Publications, 1989) pp. 45-46
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
(From the book "Conquering Anxiety" by Sara Ann DuBose.) Can a Christian have all of these qualities of fruit and still be filled with anxiety? Of course not. Maybe we should consider why.Love. An anxious person is overcome with thoughts of self. When self concerns fill the mind it is difficult, if not impossible, to show love to others.
Joy. An anxious person moans, complains, pouts or sulks over life's difficulties. Consumed by burdens, the anxious person experiences no joy.
Peace. An anxious person runs back and forth through the world searching for an answer or an escape from the anxiety and nervousness. However, since he or she is out of fellowship with God there is no peace, only worry and confusion.
Patience. An anxious person is often hurried and can act too quickly when making a judgment or decision. This restlessness and intolerance does nothing to attract friends to the individual or to Christ.
Kindness. An anxious person is often so frustrated with his or her own problems that no attention or time is given to the needs of others. Filled with selfish thoughts, this person rarely listens to others and may be annoyed when they ask for advice or help.
Goodness. An anxious person may possess integrity in moral life yet have such a fixed thought pattern of self interest that thoughtfulness and consideration are either lacking or absent in everyday living.
Faithfulness. An anxious person may begin to drift out of fellowship with God. Neglecting the Word and prayer only leads the individual into more anxiety and unhappiness.
Gentleness. An anxious person comes across as being abrasive and harsh. Even when efforts are made to be polite others can sense the worry and nervousness from facial expressions and the tone of voice.
Self-control. An anxious person has a problem with restraint and self-discipline. Indulgent, this individual often seeks pleasures and possessions more than grace, growth and godliness.
Sara Ann DuBose, Conquering Anxiety (Atlanta, GA: Committee for Christian Education & Publications, 1989) pp. 45-46
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