Fruit of the Spirit - A Responsive Reading

Fruit of the Spirit

(Galatians 5:22-23)
A Responsive Reading

LEADER:  But the fruit of the Spirit is love

Congregation:  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  (John 3:16)

LEADER:  Joy

Congregation:  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:10-11)

LEADER:  Peace

Congregation:  May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (I Thessalonians 5:23)

LEADER:  Patience

Congregation:  Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.  (Romans 15:5)

LEADER:  Kindness

Congregation:  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  (Colossians 3:12)

LEADER:  Goodness

Congregation:  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:9-10)

LEADER:  Faithfulness

Congregation:  And the master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”  (Matthew 25:23)

LEADER:  Gentleness

Congregation:  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  (James 3:17)

LEADER:  And self-control

Congregation:  Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.  (II Peter 1:5-9)

Together:  Against such things there is no law.
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Biblical text from New International Version (1984).
Arrangement copyright Floyd H. Johnson (2012).