The Fruit of the Spirit
George Fessler
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"By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
There is
no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus
have
crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:22-24,
NRSV).
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People everywhere are searching for the "good life." Paul would say
the
"good life" is found as fruit of the Holy Spirit operating in a
believer's
life. It is found in the qualities that can only be called "Christ-like."
The "works of the flesh," however, are debasing and destroy individuals
and
relationships; the "fruit of the Spirit" are those virtues pre-eminently
characterized by love and build others up -- which is against no
law
whatsoever. As Christians we must realize that our old sinful desires
and
passions have been put to death (or need to be put to death), since
our
lives are identified with the crucified Lord.
Prayer response: Father, keep me attuned to the working of your Spirit
in my
life. May I be Spirit-filled in the full expression and blessing
of your
gifts. But remind me that it's my character, reflecting the life
of Jesus,
that is to mark my life. Help me to be a person of "love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Allow me to cooperate with your Spirit as I live this day for your
glory. I
thank you for your loving presence. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
hbdevotion@news.ag.org
