Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back
to another episode of the Unfiltered Faith Podcast.
If this is your first time tuning in, thank you
for doing so. And if you've been here before,
welcome back. Today we're finishing off our three
-part mini -series on the fruit of the Spirit
for wrapping up with faithfulness, gentleness,
and self -control. So if you like to take notes,
I encourage it. And while you're at it, have
your Bibles up because we're going to be looking
at several passages of scripture that will help
us with our discussion today. But the fruits
of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, devilness,
and self -control. Against such things, there
is no law. Galatians 5, 22, and 23 lists faithfulness
as one of the fruits of the Spirit, meaning it
is a characteristic that naturally grows in us
when we walk closely with God. But faithfulness
isn't just about believing. It's about being
unwavering in our commitment to God and others
even when times are tough. What does it mean
to be truly faithful? How do we live it out?
And what does the Bible teach us about it? One
of the most famous verses about faithfulness
is found in Lamentations 3, 22, and 23. Because
of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail. They are new
every morning. Great is your faithfulness. His
verse reminds us that God Himself is the ultimate.
Example of faithfulness. He never changes, never
breaks his promises, and never abandons this.
Have you ever experienced God's faithfulness
in a difficult time? Take a moment to reflect
on his unchanging love. Throughout scripture,
we see incredible examples of faithfulness. Abraham,
the father of faith, was faithful in his obedience.
Hebrews 11 .8 says, By faith, Abraham, when called
to go to a place he would later receive as his
inheritance, obeyed and went. Even though he
did not know where he was going Abraham trusted
in God's promise even when they seemed impossible
His faithfulness was rewarded with God's covenant
and countless descendants Then we have Daniel
who remained faithful to God despite being thrown
into the lion's den He didn't waver in his commitment
to prayer even when it meant risking his life
Consider also Ruth who displayed extraordinary
faithfulness not only to God but to her mother
-in -law Naomi In Ruth 1 .16, she declares, where
you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will
stay. Your people will be my people, and your
God my God. Her unwavering commandment led to
her becoming part of the lineage of Jesus. And
of course, the ultimate example is Jesus Christ,
who remained faithful to his mission, even to
the point of death on the cross. Faithfulness
manifested in various forms across all kinds
of connections we have. like our relationship
with partners, friends, or family. How does faithfulness
look in different types of relationships? Let's
start with romantic relationships. Faithfulness
here goes beyond the traditional understanding
of loyalty. It's about being emotionally present,
supportive, and honest with your partner. Imagine
being in a relationship where both partners feel
secure enough to share their feelings, dreams,
and vulnerabilities. This sense of safety is
often built on the foundation of faithfulness.
When we know our partner is committed to us,
not just physically, but emotionally and mentally,
we can blossom together. But what does that look
like in practice? It might mean actively listening
when our partner shares how their day went or
supporting them during tough times. It's about
being there, reliable, and showing up for each
other. These small acts of faithfulness create
a ripple effect, nurturing a deeper bond that
would withstand the trials of life. Now let's
shift our focus to friends. Faithfulness in friendships
is equally crucial. It's about being a dependable
friend who stands by their side through thick
and thin. True friends celebrate our successes,
listen to our troubles, and offer a shoulder
to cry on when life gets tough. They keep our
secrets safe and never waver in their support.
Think about it. When you have a faithful friend,
you feel valued and understood. This faithfulness
cultivates an environment of trust where both
friends can be authentic and without fear of
judgment or betrayal. It's this trust that strengthens
the bond and allows friendships to flourish.
And then there's family. Faithfulness in family
relationships can sometimes be the most challenging,
yet rewarding. Families are our first teachers
of love and loyalty. When we demonstrate faithfulness
to our family members. parents, siblings, or
extended family, we create a sense of belonging.
This might mean making time for family gatherings,
checking in on each other regularly, or simply
being there to lend an ear. It's about showing
that no matter the distance or the disagreements,
we are committed to each other and will always
return to our roots. This unwavering commitment
fosters a deep sense of security that can carry
us through life's ups and downs. So how does
faithfulness in these relationships foster trust
and security? The answer lies in our innate need
for connection. When we feel that others are
faithful, we feel safe. We can lean on each other
and grow together. Faithfulness reassures us
that we are valued and that our relationships
are built on solid ground. I encourage you to
reflect on the relationships in your life. Consider
embodying faithfulness in romantic relationships.
friendships, and family ties. Remember, faithfulness
isn't just about being physically present. It's
about showing up with love, support, and understanding.
So how can we cultivate faithfulness in our own
life? Here are four practical examples. Number
one, stay reheated in God's word. Psalm 119 verse
105 says, your word is lamb to my feet, ally
to my path. Reheating and meditating on scripture
strengthens our faith. and reminds us of God's
promises. Number two, be consistent in prayer.
Faithfulness means trusting God in all circumstances.
Like Daniel, we should pray regularly and depend
on God no matter what trials come. Number three,
honor commitments and relationships. Whether
it's our marriages, friendships, or workplace,
we should strive to be dependable and loyal for
reflecting God's faithfulness in all we do. And
number four, Serve God and others with devotion.
Colossians 3 .23 encourages us, whatever you
do, work at it with all your heart, as work for
the Lord, not for human masters. Our work ethic,
service, and dedication demonstrate faithfulness
to others. Take a moment and ask yourself, where
do I need to grow in faithfulness? Maybe it's
your relationship with God, family, or work.
Faithfulness isn't always easy, but it is always
rewarding. As 2 Timothy 2 .13 says, if we are
faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot
deny Himself. God's faithfulness to us is unchanging,
and as we grow in Him, we too can reflect His
steadfast love to the world. Remember that God's
grace is sufficient if you're struggling with
faithfulness. Start where you are and trust that
He will strengthen you day by day. Though distinct,
faithfulness and generous are deeply interconnected.
virtues that shape how we interact with others
and uphold our commitments. Faithfulness reflects
our reliability and steadfastness, ensuring we
remain true to our word, values, and relationships.
However, how we express faithfulness is important
to our commitment to itself. This is where gentleness
comes in. It allows us to uphold our promises
and convictions with kindness, patience, and
humility. Faithfulness can become re -re -re
-re -re -re -re -re -re -re -re -re -re -re -re
-re -re -re -re -re -re -re -re -re -re -re -
And how does the Bible teach us about it? Jesus
himself describes gentleness in Matthew 11, 29.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. I am
gentle and humble and hard, and you will find
rest for your souls. True gentleness is not weakness,
but strength committed to God's will. When did
you last respond to a situation with gentleness
instead of anger or frustration? How did it change
the outcome? Another powerful scripture about
journalists is Proverb 1632, which says, better
a patient person than a warrior, one with self
-control than one who takes the city. This reminds
us that true strength lies in restraint and wisdom,
not aggression and domination. The Bible provides
many examples of journalists in action. Jesus
and the woman caught in adultery in John 8, with
him the Pharisees brought a woman caught in sin
to Jesus expecting him to condemn her. He responded
with ominous. Instead of harsh judgment, he said,
let any one of you without sin be the first to
throw a stone at her. Jesus showed mercy while
still upholding righteousness. Number two, Moses.
Scripture calls Moses more humble than anyone
else on the face of the earth. Despite liheeding
a Rehabilite nation, he demonstrated genuineness
in his liheedership by interceding for the Israelites
when they sinned against Gok. 3. Paul's Instruction
to Timothy 2 Timothy 24 -25 Paul remind Timothy
that the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome,
but must be kind to everyone, able to teach not
resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed,
hoping God will grant them repentance. Gentleness
is key to guiding others toward truth. Number
four, David's kindness to Mephibosheth. Second
Samuel 9, King David showed extraordinary gentleness
when he sought out Mephibosheth, the crippled
son of Jonathan, and restored his family's land.
He treated him with dignity and respect, showing
that gentleness extends to how we care for others,
especially the vulnerable. So how can we practice
gentleness in our daily lives? Here are five
ways. Number one, control your words. Proper
15 -1 reminds us a gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. Pause before
speaking and choose words that bring peace rather
than conflict. Number two, respond with humility.
Gentleness requires humility. Philippians 2,
3, and 4 says, do nothing out of selfish ambition
or vain conceit, rather than in humility. Value
others above yourself. Recognizing our weakness
helps us extend grace to others. Number three,
show patience. Ephesians 4, 2 encourages us to
be completely humble and gentle. Be patient,
bearing with one another in love. closely tied
to patience, especially when dealing with difficult
people or situations. 4. Rely on the Holy Spirit.
We cannot cultivate gentleness on our own. It
is the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Ask God
daily to help you develop a gentle heart. 5.
Practice acts of kindness. Gentleness is shown
in how we treat others, holding the door open
for someone, speaking with kindness, or offering
help to those in need. are simple ways to live
out the fruit of the spirit. Think about a time
when someone treated you with gentleness. How
did it impact your relationship with them? Now
consider how you can be that person for someone
else. Gentleness can transform conversations
and conflict situations. In our fast -paced lives,
conflicts can arise unexpectedly. At home, at
work, or even in our communities. When tensions
run high, it's easy to respond with frustration
or defensiveness. But what if I told you that
a gentle approach could diffuse anger or foster
understanding and connection? Well, let's take
a moment to consider the concept of gentleness.
It's not about being weak or submissive. Rather,
it's about embodying kindness, patience, and
empathy, even in the heat of the moment. Research
in psychology has shown that gentle communication
can profoundly impact the outcome of our interactions.
For instance, consider a study published in the
Journal of Conflict Resolution, which examined
how different communication styles affect conflict
resolution. Participants who employed general
communication, soft tones, non -threatening body
language, and active listening were more likely
to reheat a positive resolution than those who
approached the conversation with aggression or
hostility. Isn't that fascinating? Let's bring
this to real life with a real -world example.
Imagine a workplace disagreement between colleagues.
One colleague approaches the other with gentleness
instead of launching into accusations or blaming.
They might say, I understand that we have different
perspectives on this project and I'd like to
hear your thoughts. This simple shift in tone
and wording invites dialogue rather than defensiveness.
It creates a safe space and for both parties
to share their feelings without fear. of escalation.
You might wonder, how can I incorporate gentleness
into my conversations? It starts with mindfulness.
Before responding in a conflict, take a deep
breath, reflect on your emotions, and ask yourself
how you can communicate in a way that acknowledges
the other person's feelings. Let's talk about
active listening. Let's talk about active listening,
an essential component of general communication.
Instead of thinking about your response while
others is talking, Truly listen, nod, maintain
eye contact, and validate their feelings. You
might say, I hear that you're feeling frustrated,
and that's completely understandable. This shows
that you value their perspective and calms the
situation, allowing for a more constructive conversation.
Psychological research also highlights the importance
of emotional regulation during conflicts. When
we respond gently, we're better equipped to manage
our emotions. The emotion regulation theory suggests
that individuals who practice gentleness are
more resilient to stress and can maintain composure
in challenging situations. So by choosing gentleness,
we're transforming our conversations and nurturing
emotional well -being. Let's commit to creating
a ripple effect of gentleness in our community.
We can transform conflict into collaboration,
misunderstanding into empathy, and anger into
compassion. Where in your life do you need to
grow in gentleness? Maybe it's how you speak
to your family, handle conflicts, or treat yourself.
And remember, gentleness isn't about being passive.
It's about responding with grace, strength, and
love. As 1 Peter 3 .15 reminds us, always be
prepared to answer anyone who asks you to give
the reason for the hope that you have. But do
this with gentleness and respect. When we embody
gentleness, we reflect the character of Christ
and draw others to Him. If you struggle with
gentleness, don't be discouraged. Guard His patience
with us. As we seek Him, He transforms our hearts.
Gentleness and self -control are deeply interconnected,
as both involve a conscious choice to respond
thoughtfully rather than act impulsively. While
gentleness empathizes kindness and patience in
interaction with others, self -control ensures
that these qualities are constantly maintained
even in challenging situations. Exercising self
-control allows one to manage their emotions,
preventing frustrations or anger from undermining
the gentleness they strive to embody. Therefore,
self -control is the foundation upon which gentleness
can flourish, creating an environment where compassion
and calmness thrive, regardless of external pressures.
Last up on our discussion today is the most crucial
yet challenging fruit of the spirit, self -control.
How do we cultivate self -control in our lives?
What does the Bible say about it? And why is
it so essential for our spiritual growth? Let's
explore together. Self -control regulates our
emotions, desires, and behaviors to align with
God's will. Proverbs 25a gives us a powerful
vision. Like a city whose walls are broken, through
it is a person who lacks self -control. Without
self -control, we leave ourselves vulnerable
to temptation and destruction. Have you ever
made a decision based on impulse that you later
regretted? How might self -control have changed
the outcome? Titus 2, 11 -12 says, for her the
grace of God has appeared that offers salvation
to all people. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness
and worldly passions and to live self -control,
a bright and godly lives in this present age.
Self -control is not just about resisting sin,
but choosing a life that honors God. Bible is
filled with stories of both success and failure
regarding self -control Joseph's history in Genesis
39 6 to 12 when Potiphar's wife tried to seduce
him Joseph portrayed a man's self -control He
chose to honor God rather than given to temptation
even though it cost him his freedom number two
David's patience with Saul and 1 Samuel 24, 1
-7. Even though Saul sought to kill him, David
were refrained from taking revenge when given
the opportunity. His self -control allowed God's
plan to unfold in his timing. Through 16, Daniel
and his friends exercised self -control by refusing
the kid the king's rich food and instead choosing
a diet that honored God. Their discipline led
to a greater strength and wisdom. Number four,
Paul's teachings on self -control. 1 Corinthians
9, 25 and 27. Paul compares self -control to
an athlete training for a competition. emphasizing
the need for discipline in our spiritual lives.
Number five, Jesus' self -control in the wilderness.
Matthew 4, 1 through 11, Jesus demonstrates the
ultimate self -control when he resists Satan's
temptations after fasting for 40 days. His reliance
on scripture teaches us how to combat temptation.
And number six, Samson's lack of self -control.
Judges 16 1 through 21. In contrast, Samson's
inability to control his desires led to his downfall.
His weakness for Delilah ultimately cost him
his strength and his freedom. So how do we develop
self -control? Here are seven practical steps.
Number one, renew your mind daily. Romans 12
2 tells us, do not conform to the patterns of
this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind. Fill your mind with God's Word
so that you can resist temptation. 2. Set boundaries.
Proverbs 4 .23 says, Above all else, God can
guard your heart, for everything you do flows
from it. Setting boundaries in relationships,
finances, and habits help maintain self -control.
3. Pray for strength. Matthew 26 .41 reminds
us to watch and pray so that you will not fall
into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the
flesh is weak. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower
you. Number four, surround yourself with accountability.
Ecclesiastes 4, 9, and 10 teaches us that two
are better than one. If either one of them falls,
one can help the other. Behind a mentor or accountability
partner to encourage you. Number five, practice
small acts of self -control. Luke 16 10 says,
whoever can be trusted with very little can also
be trusted with much. Start by exercising discipline
in small areas and it will grow over time. Number
six, recognize and avoid triggers. James 1 from
14 to 15 warns everyone is tempted when they
are dragged away by their evil desire and enticed.
Then after a desire has conceived, it gives birth
to sin. Identify the situations, people, or habits
that lead you into temptation and take proactive
steps to avoid them. Number seven, depend on
God's power, not just your own. Philippians 4
.13 reminds us, I can do all things through Christ
who strengthens me. Self -control is a partnership
between our efforts and God's grace. Think about
when self -control protected you from harm or
led to a blessing. Now consider applying that
same principle in another area of your life.
Self -control is not about relying on our strength,
but surrendering to God's power. 2 Timothy 1
.7 reminds us, for the spirit God gave us does
not make us timid, but gives us power, love,
and self -discipline. When we rely on Him, He
enabled us to live with wisdom and restraint.
If you're struggling with self -control, know
that you're not alone. Keep seeking God and He
will transform your heart and habits. Remember
Proverbs 16 -32. Header, a patient person, the
hand of warrior. One will have self -control
than one who takes the city. True strength lies
in a self -mastery through the Holy Spirit. In
a world where instant gratification reigns supreme,
mastering self -discipline can feel like an uphill
battle. By the end of this episode, you'll have
practical strategies to improve your self -discipline
and insights into psychological aspects of the
impulse to control and delaying gratification.
In today's fast -paced environment, self -control
is under constant siege. Social media platforms
have designed their experiences to keep us engaged
for longer. Notifications, likes, and the endless
scroll create a dopamine -driven cycle that can
lead to addiction. On the other hand, fast food
culture bombards us with convenience and pressures
and pleasure, making it too easy to opt for the
quick fix instead of healthier, more nourishing
options. Oh, what's going on in our brains when
we face these temptations? Neuroscience has shown
that our brains are wired for pleasure. The release
of dopamine when we indulge in our favorite foods
or receive likes on our posts creates a feedback
loop that reinforces these behaviors. This immediate
reward can overshadow the long -term benefits
of exercise and self -control. So how can we
implement our self -control? to improve our self
-discipline and combat the challenges posed by
social media and fast food culture. Well, number
one, let's set clear goals. Define what self
-control means to you. If you want to reduce
your screen time, eat healthier meals, hide down
your goals and keep them visible. constantly
remind you of your intentions and help you stay
focused. Razor shows that people who write their
goals are more likely to achieve them, so grab
a journal or even note them on your phone. Just
make them tangible. Number two, create a structured
environment. If the whole community is your Achilles
heel, Consider using apps that limit your screen
time or block certain sites during specific hours.
You could also turn off notifications, allowing
you to engage with your devices on your terms
rather than being at your mercy. When it comes
to fast food, try meal prepping for the week.
Having healthy meals will make it easier to resist
the lure of convenience foods. Remember self
-control isn't about deprivation. It's about
making choices that align with your values. Number
three, practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is another
powerful tool for enhancing self -control. You
can create space between the impulse and your
reaction by developing awareness of your thoughts
and feelings. Try incorporating mindfulness practices
like meditation or deep breathing into your daily
routine. Can you feel the urge to reach your
food or indulge in junk food? Take a moment to
pause. Ask yourself, is this decision serving
my long -term goals? This simple practice can
help you cultivate a greater sense of control
and make more intentional choices. Number four,
reward yourself. It's essential to celebrate
your victories, no matter how small. When you
resist a temptation or stick to your goals, treat
yourself to something rewarding like a sweet
treat, a good book, or even a night out with
friends. These positive reinforcements can help
reshape your relationship with self -control,
making it less of a chore and more of a rewarding
journey. Remember, self -control is like a muscle.
The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
5. build a support system. Surround yourself
with supportive friends and family who understand
your goals and can encourage you. Share your
struggles and successes with them and don't be
afraid to lean on them when feeling weak. Consider
joining a group or finding an accountability
partner who shares your goals. This sense of
community can be a powerful motivator and a source
of inspiration. Reflect on the challenges you
face. with either social media or fast food culture.
And remember that you can make choices that align
with your goals. You can build the self -control.
You can desire for yourself in a supportive community
with clear intentions, a structured environment,
and mindfulness practices. Before we wrap up,
I have three challenges for you this week. Write
down three ways to show faithfulness in your
life. prayer, reheating the word, or keeping
a promise. Keep yourself accountable and see
how God works through your faithfulness. 2. Practice
responding with gentleness. When you might normally
react with frustration, reflect on how it changes
the atmosphere of your heart. 3. Identify one
area where you struggle with self -control. Make
a plan to overcome it with God's help and take
one small step towards victory. Thank you for
joining me today on the Unfiltered Faith Podcast.
If you enjoyed today's episode, share it with
a friend and follow for more episodes in the
future. Until next time, keep seeking those fresh
perspectives and having those unfiltered conversations
to better understand the world around us.