Information Related to "The Fruit of the Spirit"
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Can we habitually mix righteousness with unrighteousness and please God?
"Every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Matthew 7:19).
"In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother" (1 John 3:10).
The Scriptures reveal that God’s children occasionally sin after baptism (1 John 1:8). But, if they wish to continue in His favor, they must not only confess to Him but also ask Him to "cleanse (them) from all unrighteousness" (verse 9). They cannot please God if they deliberately practice sinning.
However, some habits deeply ingrained from early childhood may not be that easily overcome. Victims of continual abuse during adolescence are a case in point. The effects of such sins tend to foster serious weaknesses in victims of abuse. It may take a long period of diligent striving to finally overcome. Paul put our task this way: "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:5, NIV). We can accomplish this only through the power of God’s Spirit.
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