What is the fruit of the Spirit? Is it sarcasm, cynicism, scorn, criticism, mockery, or rudeness?
Of course not "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering , gentleness , goodness , faith, meekness, temperance : against such there is no law." Gal 5:22-23 (KJV)
If I understand my Bible correctly, these are the characteristics that are to be evident in the life of a Christian who is Spirit-filled.
Some people pride themselves on their ability to "verbally assault" the opposition in a debate. I find that quality nowhere in the Word of God. What I do find is...
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (KJV) and...
Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. (KJV)
Some people think it a virtue to be able to say (post) whatever they think, regardless of how it might make someone else feel. Again, I do not find this quality anywhere in the Scriptures. What I do find is...
Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. (KJV) and...
Proverbs 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. (KJV) and...
Proverbs 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. (KJV)
You see, God is not blind to what is going on here on the Baptist Board. You and I will still have to give account for everything we post here. Just because we can sit safely behind our desks at home and become anything we want to be, and project any kind of image we want to project, and no one will be the wiser, doesn't mean that we can throw biblical principles out the window.
God's Word still says that we are to give Him the glory in everything we do. If we are not manifesting the fruit of the Spirit as we post on the BB, then we are not being Christ-like. If we are not being Christ-like, then we really don't have anything to offer that is worth hearing.
If you walk out into a field and come upon a tree that has apples on it, you can be certain that is an apple tree. Why? Because you can see the fruit. You know where I'm going with this. When others see your posts, what fruit are they seeing? Are they seeing the fruit of a carnal Christian or are they seeing the fruit of a Spirit-filled Christian?
Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (KJV)