Chapter 10—Christian Character
The character of the Christian is shown by his daily life. Said
Christ, “Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree
bringeth forth evil fruit” (
Matthew 7:17
). Our Saviour compares Him-
self to a vine, of which His followers are the branches. He plainly
declares that all who would be His disciples must bring forth fruit; and
then He shows how they may become fruitful branches. “Abide in me,
and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide
in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (
John 15:4
).
The apostle Paul describes the fruit which the Christian is to bear.
He says that it “is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (
Eph-
esians 5:9
). And again, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance”
(
Galatians 5:22, 23
). These precious graces are but the principles of
God’s law carried out in the life.
The law of God is the only true standard of moral perfection.
That law was practically exemplified in the life of Christ. He says
of Himself, “I have kept my Father’s commandments” (
John 15:10
).
Nothing short of this obedience will meet the requirements of God’s
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word. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk,
even as he walked” (
1 John 2:6
). We cannot plead that we are unable to
do this, for we have the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (
2
Corinthians 12:9
). As we look into the divine mirror, the law of God,
we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and our own lost condition
as transgressors. But by repentance and faith we are justified before
God, and through divine grace enabled to render obedience to His
commandments.
Love for God and Man
Those who have genuine love for God will manifest an earnest
desire to know His will and to do it. Says the apostle John, whose
epistles treat so fully upon love, “This is the love of God, that we keep
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