A Deeper Understanding
The Greek word for patience is makrothumia, and its translation is probably more closely related to persistence or perseverance. The word makrothumia applies to God and how He patiently tolerates the errors of humanity with a long-suffering attitude. He is patient with us and waits for us to return to Him. The word is also used to describe the Romans as they refused to give up, even in defeat. They had the patience to overcome.
Scholar W. E. Vine says makrothumia “is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope.”
A Deeper Understanding
The Greek word for peace is eirene, a word with a meaning very similar to the English version of peace. Eirene means the peace of a society, that peace that exists when there is no conflict, no upheaval, no fighting. But eirene also refers to the tranquility of our heart we receive when we know we are in the hands of God. Eirene comes when we have the faith and assurance that we are with God and that Jesus is in our hearts.
1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
A Deeper Understanding
The Greek word for joy is chara. It means happiness and elation, the same as our English word “joy,” but William Barclay points out that chara is not a joy that comes from earthly things or from triumph over others. Chara is a joy that comes from a relationship with God, a spiritual joy. Chara is something we want to share with one another.
1 John 1:3-4 says, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy (chara) complete.”
A Deeper Understanding
As we go through the nine aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit we will present a condensed explanation of each in the bulletin and on the church web site, allowing you to have "A Deeper Understanding."
The Greek language has four words for love, Eros, Philia, Storge, and Agape.
Eros is a sexual love, love between man and woman. From the word eros we get words like “erotic.”
Philia is more of a friendship love. From philia we get “Philadelphia,” the city of brotherly love, and “philanthropy,” giving help in a brotherly way.
Storge is a family love, or a familiar love. It is a fondness that you feel for people who are like you.
The first three words – Eros, Philia, and Storge – describe a love that gets something back – pleasure, recognition and praise, or success.
The Greek word for love as part of the fruit of the Spirit is Agape, unconditional love, love that encompasses all things. It is complete, sacrificial love, different from the other three because agape love gets nothing in return. It only gives.
Matthew Study - April 21
Read Matthew 28:1-20
Talk about any event, vision, experience, or feeling you have had that convinced you of the presence of God.
Tell about the various things you do to support the church and share the story of Jesus.
Talk about your favorite part of Easter.
Tell about any Easter traditions you might have.
The term “Easter” may be associated with the festival of Eostre, a pagan goddess of spring whose symbol was a rabbit. Exchanging eggs is an ancient pagan tradition. Talk about what new meanings Christianity brings to this celebration.
Share any new insights or information you have gained from Matthew 28:11-17.
Talk about how the message of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, “The Great Commission,” applies to you.
