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PERSONAL INTEGRITY
We will live in a manner that inspires trust and confidence,
bearing the fruit of the Spirit and seeking to manifest the
character of Christ in all our behavior.
Trust and Confidence
A Christian should be trustworthy, dependable and a person of
his word (Matthew 5:37; 1 Peter 2:11, 12). Therefore, the swearing
of oaths is contrary to a Christian's trustworthiness and should
be avoided (Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12). Christ, by precept
and example, taught that we love our enemy and prefer our brother
(Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3, 1 John 3:16).
We should behave in a way that will point others to Christ
(Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1).
Fruit of the Spirit
If we live in the Spirit, we will manifest the fruit (attitudes
and actions) of the Spirit and will not fulfill the lusts of
the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 22-25; 1 John 1:7). Trustful relationships
with others are a natural outgrowth of our positive relationship
with the Lord (Psalm 1:1-3; Matthew 22:37-40). A lack of fruit-bearing
in our lives will be judged (Matthew 7:16-20; Luke 13:6-9;
John 15:1-8).
Character of Christ
Love for others is the hallmark of the Christ-life (John 13:34,
35; 15:9-13; 1 John 4:7-11). In His relationship with His Father,
Jesus displayed submission (Luke 22:42; John 4:34; 5:30). In
His relationship with others, He demonstrated acceptance (John
8:11), compassion (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34) and forgiveness
(Matthew 9:2; Luke 5:20). We cannot bear the fruit of the Spirit
and manifest the character of Christ without being spiritually
joined to Christ (John 15:4, 5) and without having the seed
of the Word planted in our heart (John 15:3, 1 Peter 1:22,
23).
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