But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
There is a phrase of scripture that I love, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” It is my desire to always be known for my fruit!
Today’s verses give us the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. These are desirable characteristics and qualities to have and every believer should possess them. The New Testament speaks quite a bit in regards to fruit; bearing fruit, producing fruit, good fruit, evil fruit, just to name a few. It’s good to take a self examination and ask yourself, “What fruit do I possess?" What fruit am I lacking?"
Paul writes this letter to the Galatians based on the news he received about them going in another direction away from the faith they had been taught and the path they had taken consisted of thinking they were fine based on their works. Paul is disturbed by this to say the least and tells them that blessings come from God based on faith, not law. The law keeps them bound, but faith sets them free; free to enjoy the liberty that only comes through Christ. He reminds them that freedom in Christ and living a lifestyle led by the Spirit of God is only way to produce the fruits unto righteousness. It doesn’t come any other way.
Sometimes, we too are found of desiring a better way; moving away from grace, moving away from faith, moving away from the gospel we've heard and received. We go about doing works in the name of the Lord, but are not from the Lord. Works that are frankly, out of self. Our lives as believers are based on the same as Paul told the Galatians, we have to walk in the Spirit, love and serve one another as God intended, produce fruit that will result in liberty. There is no law that will assist or help us in that way; for we have been set free from bondage through the indwelling of God’s Spirit. However, this liberty is not given for us to indulge in the works of the flesh but rather it gives us the opportunity to bear fruit. Fruit that we can build on; fruit that is essential to our walk and our work. If we are going to live in the spirit, then we must walk in the spirit. In order to walk effectively, we need the fruit… love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and faith; in order to serve effectively, we need the fruit … goodness, gentleness, temperance, and meekness. Our lives and the lives of others are dependent upon them. The gifts that come with God's Spirit are worthless unless they are put to use in our service to God and His church (I speak not of a physical building).
Everyone, both Christian and non Christian alike, as well as professing and part time Christians are watching us; ever ready to speak quickly to the actions of the believer. Therefore, we cannot be motivated by pride, or vain glory; nor walk in the way of others, not provoking one another and not envying one another, and all the other works of the flesh, such as hatred, jealousy, strife, etc.; let this not be said among you. Let's always strive for a spirit of love and a submissiveness to the Spirit of God who guides us into righteousness; leads us to the way in which we should walk, as well as provide us with the fruit needed to live according to how God intended.
So, the question of the day is, “got fruit?”
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
Galatians 5:22-23
There is a phrase of scripture that I love, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” It is my desire to always be known for my fruit!
Today’s verses give us the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. These are desirable characteristics and qualities to have and every believer should possess them. The New Testament speaks quite a bit in regards to fruit; bearing fruit, producing fruit, good fruit, evil fruit, just to name a few. It’s good to take a self examination and ask yourself, “What fruit do I possess?" What fruit am I lacking?"
Paul writes this letter to the Galatians based on the news he received about them going in another direction away from the faith they had been taught and the path they had taken consisted of thinking they were fine based on their works. Paul is disturbed by this to say the least and tells them that blessings come from God based on faith, not law. The law keeps them bound, but faith sets them free; free to enjoy the liberty that only comes through Christ. He reminds them that freedom in Christ and living a lifestyle led by the Spirit of God is only way to produce the fruits unto righteousness. It doesn’t come any other way.
Sometimes, we too are found of desiring a better way; moving away from grace, moving away from faith, moving away from the gospel we've heard and received. We go about doing works in the name of the Lord, but are not from the Lord. Works that are frankly, out of self. Our lives as believers are based on the same as Paul told the Galatians, we have to walk in the Spirit, love and serve one another as God intended, produce fruit that will result in liberty. There is no law that will assist or help us in that way; for we have been set free from bondage through the indwelling of God’s Spirit. However, this liberty is not given for us to indulge in the works of the flesh but rather it gives us the opportunity to bear fruit. Fruit that we can build on; fruit that is essential to our walk and our work. If we are going to live in the spirit, then we must walk in the spirit. In order to walk effectively, we need the fruit… love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and faith; in order to serve effectively, we need the fruit … goodness, gentleness, temperance, and meekness. Our lives and the lives of others are dependent upon them. The gifts that come with God's Spirit are worthless unless they are put to use in our service to God and His church (I speak not of a physical building).
Everyone, both Christian and non Christian alike, as well as professing and part time Christians are watching us; ever ready to speak quickly to the actions of the believer. Therefore, we cannot be motivated by pride, or vain glory; nor walk in the way of others, not provoking one another and not envying one another, and all the other works of the flesh, such as hatred, jealousy, strife, etc.; let this not be said among you. Let's always strive for a spirit of love and a submissiveness to the Spirit of God who guides us into righteousness; leads us to the way in which we should walk, as well as provide us with the fruit needed to live according to how God intended.
So, the question of the day is, “got fruit?”
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
|
