Pursue the Good Fruit when faced with unfavorable offenses such as:
- Attentiveness vs. Unconcern
Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to her words and emotions (Hebrews 2:1) - Availability vs. Self-centeredness
Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving (Philippians 2:20–21) - Boldness vs. Fearfulness
Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God (Acts 4:29) - Cautiousness vs. Rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions (Proverbs 19:2) - Compassion vs. Indifference
Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others (1 John 3:17) - Contentment vs. Envy (Covetousness)
Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness (1 Timothy 6:8)
Pursue Godly virtues (Good Fruit) such as –
- Deference vs. Rudeness
Limiting my freedom in order not offend the tastes of those whom God has called me to serve (Romans 14:21) - Dependability vs. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice (Psalm 15:4)
- Diligence vs. Laziness (Slothfulness)
Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it (Colossians 3:23) - Discernment vs. Judgment
The God-given ability to understand why things happen (1 Samuel 16:7) - Endurance vs. Giving up
- The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best (Galatians 6:9)
- Enthusiasm vs. Apathy
Expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:16,19) - Generosity vs. Stinginess
Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes (2 Corinthians 9:6) - Gratefulness vs. Unthankfulness
Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life (1 Corinthians 4:7) - Hospitality vs. Loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those whom God brings into my life (Hebrews 13:2) - Humility vs. Pride
Recognizing that it is actually God and others who are responsible for the achievements in my life (James 4:6)
Pursue Good Fruit –
- Orderliness vs. Disorganization
Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency (1 Corinthians 14:40) - Punctuality vs. Tardiness
Showing high esteem for other people and their time (Ecclesiastes 3:1) - Resourcefulness vs. Wastefulness
Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard (Luke 16:10) - Reverence vs. Disrespect
Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me (Proverbs 23:17–18) - Thoroughness vs. Incompleteness
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected (Proverbs 18:15) - Thriftiness vs. Extravagance
Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary (Luke 16:11), and - Tolerance vs. Prejudice
Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity (Philippians 2:2)
2. That’s how Christian growth happens. The very circumstances that provided the red light are the
very things that produce new growth.