Galatians 5:22-26
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Galatians 5:22-26 NIV
Trying to do the right thing and build character in your life can be challenging. Even though it’s not always easy to be a person of character, it’s the right thing to do. I can think of no better description of the person I would like to be. Which of us would not want our lives to be characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I find it comforting and encouraging, therefore, to know that these qualities are the fruit of the Spirit rather than the fruit of my hard work. If it were up to me, I’d fail repeatedly and fall short permanently. But the Spirit is committed to remaking each of us in the image of Christ and, by God’s grace, we can trust that what the Spirit sets out to accomplish, He will in the end achieve. The Spirit’s work takes a lifetime, note that patience is part of the fruit and will need some major and, I believe, instant completion after this life, but it will be done. Each of us will be able to look in a heavenly mirror, as it were, and give thanks for the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control that the Spirit has patiently and at last completely caused to bud, blossom, and ripen into fruit. In the meantime, though, there are things we can do to make the process a little smoother. The fruit of the Spirit is the work of the Spirit, but Paul also tells us that we are to “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16), “be led by the Spirit” (5:18), “live by the Spirit,” (5:25), “keep in step with the Spirit” (5:25). These suggest that the Spirit takes our hand and leads us along the most direct path to the bearing of the fruit for which, deep down, we long. Things will go much more smoothly if, rather than being dragged, screaming and kicking, we allow ourselves to be led by Him. Insisting that we know better what love is or what will bring us joy or peace not only slows matters down but can result in self-inflicted bruises. We can do more. We can walk with or alongside Him, actively keeping up with Him rather than dawdling and detouring. He’ll wait for us if we delay and He will come after us if we sprint down a side path or ignore a No Entry sign. Our walking with Him isn’t a condition of the Spirit getting us there, but it does make the journey a lot more enjoyable.
We can do yet more. We can keep in step with the Spirit. The last words here are fascinating. Why does he mention becoming conceited? To be conceited is to be full of yourself. It means that you love yourself instead of loving God. Isn't that ultimately the choice we have to make? Who are we going to love more, ourselves or God? If we choose to love ourselves, we will provoke and envy each other. It is only as we grow in grace, become mature in the faith, and keep a short rein of sin in our lives, that we will produce the spiritual fruit that exemplifies the spirit-filled believers!!!
Father thank You for this day and the life sustaining Word that guides our lives. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow over my friend and family. Lord we desire to reflect the nature and character of You and to show forth the fruit of Your Spirit in our lives. Lord prune away all those areas in us that are inhibiting the growth of spiritual fruit being produced in us and may we grow in grace and do only those things that are pleasing to You, for Your praise and glory. Lord use my friend to be the light and touch of Your love to all today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !
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