“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23
Our heavenly Father has demonstrated faithfulness to us and then called us to live in faithfulness. This is not about compulsion of the law. When we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, the result is fruit, evidence of His presence and work in us.
Paul wanted the believers at Galatia to understand and experience the freedom Christ purchased for them. He warned them that the goal of Christ- likeness was not obtained by human effort, but by the glorious mystery of the indwelling Christ.
Even after many years on my journey of faith, I still need this message. I’m one of those people who find acceptance and affirmation by helping, working, and serving. But I have to be watchful when pride and self-righteousness slip into my heart. I need to listen to the Spirit whispering, “What do you have that you have not received?” The fruit that I bear is a testimony to God’s faithfulness to me, not a testimony to my usefulness to others. My righteousness is as filthy rags, but I have been born anew and am a new creation in Jesus.



Scripture Focus

Galatians 5:22-26

Insight

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare [his] praises...” (1 Peter 2:9)

Bible In A Year

  • Genesis 5-7
  • Psalm 3
  • Matthew 5

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