Of Snakes and Doves Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16
In this amazing little Bible verse, Jesus is saying that He wants us to understand the perverse ways of the world and the tactics of that old snake, Satan. However, Jesus wants us to respond to people with the gentleness of the Holy Spirit, who is represented as a dove in the Bible. Mature Christians should know how to recognize the snares of the world without getting caught up by it.
There has been way too much hostility in the past year. Way too many lies. And some Christians have been as much a part of that as anyone. Christians need to have a refresher course on the fruit of the Spirit, before we forget what it means to be as gentle as doves. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit? The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 
But don't be afraid that the Holy Spirit will turn us into wimps! It requires real spiritual strength to respond in Grace when confronted with the folly of the world.
And, we know how the Holy Spirit is in our own lives: he is our Comforter, but he is not weak. The Holy Spirit is firm and determined as he works in our lives. The Holy Spirit cuts through the trash and cobwebs we've accumulated and gives us clarity. Sometimes the truth hurts, but it's also cleansing. And the Holy Spirit strengthens us to hold that sword of the Spirit more firmly, and accurately.
The fruit of the Spirit is how we can recognize an authentic Christian. It's better to be authentic than to be a loud Christian: hostile, gloating, selfish and prideful. 
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