The Spirit wants to influence the hearts of believers by producing in them more love, joy, peace, patience and the like. Traditionally seen as virtues to pursue, these qualities are really motivations and emotions that are transformed by the Spirit. Historically traditional churches have emphasized salvation in the next life. Yet Jesus says he came that we might live abundantly in this life. This abundance consists of the Spirit’s gifts of more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
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