Fruit of the Spirit.
In the New Testament, in his letter to the Galatians, Chapter 5, verses 23-23, (English Standard Version) the Apostle Paul writes:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians, 5:22-23 (English Standard Version)
I love this list of virtues of character which Paul says are gifts from the Holy Spirit of God. I include these verses among my Scripture memory verses. A memory trick I use to remember the list is that in the English Standard Version translation, the fruits are divided into three groups of three, the first three have one syllable, the second three have two syllables and the third three have three syllables. It helped in memorizing this verse and provides a clue when my memory is uncooperative.
Another of my memory verses, which I have held in my memory since the mid-eighties, is like an old friend who I call upon frequently over the years. In his letter to the Philippians, Chapter 4, verses 6-8, the Apostle Paul provides a practical means to overcome anxiety and to think good and helpful thoughts. The mind often seems to dwell on the unpleasant matters and worries of life and the world. I can remember a moment of anxiety among a crowd waiting for a bus in Los Angeles in the mid-80s where these verses popped into my mind, my memory prompted by the Holy Spirit I am sure. It was a comfort then, and remains a comfort today:
. . . do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
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