CHRISTIANITY VINDICATED BY CHARACTER

 

            

An official of a Mission Board was appointed to examine a candidate. He told the young man to come to his house at 6 in the morning. The young man went at 6 in the morning to be examined, and the examiner kept him sitting in the room until ten. Then he went down to him and said abruptly, “Can you spell? Can you spell God?” “Yes, sir,” came the answer calmly. “Can you write your name? Do you know what your name is?” “Yes, sir,” again he replied.

He put him through a series of questions of that kind, and then went to the Missionary Board and said, “He will do. I tried his patience for four hours and he did not break down. I then insulted him and he did not lose his temper. Christ’s love has conquered his heart and the Christianity that has made him what he is vindicated by the very quality of his character; he will do.”

In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul states that peace is a Fruit of the Spirit. The Greek word for peace eirene is the root of the English word serene which conveys the idea of that which is clear and free of storms; a picture of everything in place and as it ought to be. Peace is a condition of freedom from disturbance, whether outwardly or inwardly. The ultimate peace is the state of reconciliation with God; Peace with God (Rom. 5:1) and peace with men (Rom. 12:18, Col 3:15).

In Isaiah 26:3 we have God’s promise that he “will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in Him”. We cannot avoid strife in this world, but we can know perfect peace in the midst of turmoil as we rest in God and take Him at His word. In Acts 12:6-7 we read that the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was asleep. Herod had just killed James and he was about to kill Peter. Yet Peter was sound asleep on the eve of the planned execution and an angel had to strike him on the side to wake him up.

It’s very hard to find sleep when you are waiting for medical test results, how was it possible for Peter to sleep when death seemed imminent. The key to Peter’s peace was the knowledge that his times were in the Father’s hands (Ps.31:14, 15). He had complete confidence in the power and sufficiency of God. Peace is tranquility of the heart derived from all-pervading consciousness that our times are in God’s hands.

In Psalm 91 God promises divine protection, twenty four hours to those who seek shelter underneath his wings. We read that “He will cover you with His feathers; you will not fear the terror of the night, nor the pestilence that stark in the darkness, nor the plagues that destroy in midday for he will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways”. With such a promise from an ever present and an all mighty God we can sleep amidst the fiercest storm. God is always with us and therefore fully aware of every detail of our life, at every moment and in every place (Ps. 139).

We have peace not because there are no storms in our lives but because God is present with us no matter what. Peace that the Holy Spirit gives surpasses all human understanding and it guards the heart and mind (Phil. 4:6-7).  Paul’s prayer for the believers at Thessalonica was “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way” (2 Thess. 3:16).  Peter’s prayer for his brethren was “May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure” (1Peter 1:2). He asked God to "multiply" their internal sense of calm and serenity; we do not have peace to the fullest measure yet. We have not exhausted the possibilities.

The Fruit of the Spirit is patience. The Greek word used here is translated as patience, forbearance, endurance or steadfastness.   Patience is inner steadfastness even in the face of provocation. It is the ability to hold one's feeling in restraint under provocation. It is the ability to bear adversity without irritation or anger. It is the ability to accept folly without losing patience and ingratitude and still remain gracious. A patient person has the power to take revenge but never does so.  He refuses to retaliate; instead he bears injury without bitterness.

God is patient toward sinful men (Rom. 2:4). Jesus Christ in spite of being reviled, did not revile in return; while suffering, uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him Who judges righteously ( 1 Peter 2:23) . This is the attitude which Christians are to display. They should not have a short fuse with other people. Patience endures to the end even in times of adversity, exhibiting self-restraint such that it does not retaliate. The word of God instructs his children to cloth themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Col. 3:12).

In 2 Peter 3:9 we read that the Lord is not slow but is patient not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. We should be consumed by the same thought for others “if I just wait long enough, maybe something good will happen to this person.” Patience holds on and won’t give up or let go or cast off the loved one no matter what they are or do, but continues to pray for them and to extend fresh love every day. “A man’s wisdom gives him patience, it is his glory to overlook an offence” (Prov.19:11).

Paul says that Jesus displayed his immense patience to him the worst of sinners as an example for those who would believe in him (1 Tim. 1:15-16). Peter says that the forbearance of our Lord is our salvation (2 Peter 3:15) and speaks of God’s patience in the days of Noah (1 Peter 3:20). Perhaps the best way to bear with other is to remember how much God has had to overlook in our own lives (Ephesians 4: 2-3). Patience in face of injustice and unpleasant circumstances without complaint or irritation is something unique and wonderful.

Patience means waiting upon God to fulfill His promises or to vindicate us even when He seems to take too long and the temptation to give up is great. Cast not away your confidence because God seems to be taking so long. That which does not come in your time, will come in His time, which is always the best. God makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecc.3:11). He will work when He pleases, how He pleases, and by what means He pleases. He is not bound to keep our time, but He will perform His word and honor our faith, and reward them that wait on him”.

The fruit of the spirit is kindness. Kindness can be defined as tenderness and concern for other people. Kindness goes out looking, wondering and asking “who needs love? How can I ease someone’s burden? Kindness is the ability to love people more than they deserve. Kindness is paying attention to the circumstances of other people’s lives and being concerned about their welfare.  In 2 Tim 2:24 we read that as God’s people must be kind to everyone.  

Kindness delights in contributing to the happiness of others. It is a serving trait exercised by cheerfully gratifying the wishes of others and alleviating their distresses. Dorcas made robes and other clothing’s for widows; she is described her as a woman “abounding with deeds of kindness” (Acts 9: 32-43). In Acts 10 we read of Cornelius  who gave generously to those in need, his prayers and gifts to the poor went up as a memorial offering before God.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Jesus said we should do what the Good Samaritan did, to our neighbors. In Matt. 25:34-40 Jesus said one of the qualifications of entering heaven will be kind acts towards fellowmen because whatever we do to the least of the brothers, we do for him.  And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to the least of these will certainly not lose his word (Matt. 10:42). Is your Christianity vindicated by character?