Gentleness
(chrestotes: kindness, graciousness, goodness of heart)
When strength and power are under perfect control then this kind of gentleness shows its true beauty. It reassures and develops trust between people and allows the Holy Spirit to minister His power through us as we share our lives in gentleness.
(1 Th 2:7-9 NIV) but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. [8] We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
This quality is the opposite to brutality. It is an essential ingredient of a successful Christian marriage. Without it no person can assume headship; either in the family or in the church. Keys to its development are a close walk with the Lord, meditation on His Word and disciplined prayer.
Power without gentleness is a recipe for disaster in personal relationships be they spiritual or human fellowship. Gentleness is one of the qualities that lead to greatness.
Goodness
(agathosune: goodness.)
That which, being good in its character or constitution, is beneficial in its effect.
This is not just being good or doing good. This fruit of the Holy Spirit is soundness.
Its effect is shown in our conduct or lifestyle. Both within and without the assembly of the saints the quality of goodness is to permeate our lives. Bad habits, unseemly behaviours and speech have no place if the fruit of goodness is to grow in us.
We are to walk in liberty but not looseness. The measure of liberty is found in the fruit of goodness.
(Rom 14:16 NIV) Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.
Goodness is as a storehouse from which a good man can draw forth much fruit with which to bless others. All people recognise your nature from the fruit of goodness that you display. Hidden things show themselves by their effect on the total person.
(Mat 5:16 NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
(Mat 12:32-37 NIV) Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. [33] “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. [34] You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. [35] The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
Faith
(pistis: firm persuasion, trustworthiness)
Basically: faithfulness, trustworthiness, loyalty, reliability, constancy and steadfastness. God is Himself our great example.
(1 Cor 1:9 NIV) God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Jesus is our faithful high priest, the faithful and true witness and ruler of God’s creation. This quality of faithfulness is required of all who aspire to minister in the church. Those given a trust must prove faithful. 1.Cor.4:2.
Examples are Moses, Heb.3:2.; Caleb at the time of the apostasy of Israel. Num.14:24.;
The crown of life is for those who are faithful even unto death. Notice that in the parable of the talents, the rewards were not for brilliance, but for being faithful to, and reliable in, our commitments to one another and to the Lord. This is the great need in the church. To have a people who are committed and reliable. Who are faithful not in the big things but in the small and essential details. Being on time, living up to your word, not forgetting a promise or obligation, being loyal to each other in word and deed, putting God first, are all elements of the fruit called ” faith.”
The crowning reward is very great. “To be with the Lord of lords and King of kings.”
(Rev 17:14 NIV) They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”