As we continue our ‘Passages to Ponder’ series, let’s reflect on the profound teachings we’ve explored so far. From the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, revealing the character and blessedness of kingdom citizens, to the defilements of the heart in Mark 7. We’ve delved into the qualities of love in 1 Corinthians 13 and examined the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. Each of these teachings offers insights into the life God calls us to lead.
Today, we’re focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Our approach will be threefold: understanding the context, interpreting the meaning, and applying these lessons to our lives.
Contextually, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the Fruit of the Spirit. He explains that living by the Spirit is a departure from the fleshly desires that conflict with God’s will. In Romans 6, Paul describes our baptism as a symbolic death and resurrection with Christ, signifying our new life in the Spirit, freed from the bondage of sin.
The Fruit of the Spirit, singular in its nature, encompasses a range of virtues, all of which should be evident in a believer’s life. These virtues include love (active goodwill), joy (gladness in response to God’s grace), peace (harmony with God and man), patience (self-restraint in provocation), kindness (gentleness in action), goodness (active benevolence), faithfulness (reliability and trustworthiness), gentleness (humility in dealing with others), and self-control (mastering desires and passions).
To bear this fruit, one must first be born of the Spirit, an experience that occurs at baptism (John 3:5, Titus 3:5). Walking in the Spirit involves setting our minds on spiritual things (Romans 8:5-6) and being guided by God’s Word (Ephesians 6:17). Prayer also plays a crucial role in seeking strength from the Spirit.
In practical terms, choosing the Spirit-led life means opting for a life infused with love, joy, and peace, over one dominated by fleshly desires like envy and strife. It’s a choice between cultivating virtues like faithfulness and gentleness or succumbing to jealousy and immorality.
Are we nurturing these fruits in our lives and in the lives of those we influence? If you have not yet started this journey with Christ, or if you need to realign your path, now is the time.
