The Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23.
Dear Royal Priesthood,
The conclusion of the previous passage was that those who practice the works of sinful nature will not inherit the kingdom of God. The opposite of all that is what happens when we allow the Spirit to take charge. He produces in us the fruit of the Spirit.
We can divide the fruit into two main categories, sandwiched between the first, love, and the last, self-control.
Charity (v. 22a). Charity is an old word for love. The key thing in love is the desire to see the best happen to others. Love is not how we feel but about what we choose. Doing good to a bad person is not pleasant but it is right. In God’s language, “I love you” equals “I want the best for you and I am ready to pay for it.”Love is what governs all our attitudes.
Confidence (v. 22b). Inner stability is based on the conviction that God is in charge of every situation we encounter. In the midst of turmoil, those controlled by the Spirit will exhibit
Joy. This is more than happiness. It is the calm assurance that God is sovereign over the circumstances we encounter and there is no need to yield to sorrow and fear.
Peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the confidence that nothing will happen to us unless God permits it, and that God will cause all things to work for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).
Compassion (vv. 22c – 23a). The main body of the fruit of the Spirit is attitudes that demonstrate empathy and are outward-looking.
Longsuffering is usually translated as patience (NIV). At the root of its meaning is the idea of bearing with the irritations of the behavior of another and not “blowing up in their face.”
Kindness is the disposition to help those in need or who are suffering. It is directed at those in a perceived weaker or disadvantaged position in comparison to ours.
Goodness is the general disposition to do good, whether we gain from it or not, whether the person we do it to deserves it or not.
Faithfulness can also be called dependability or reliability. It is the ability to keep one’s word, regardless of the worthiness of the person to whom the word is kept.
Gentleness is the disposition of treating other people with care, mindful of their weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and not being harsh with them, despite their failures.
Control (v. 23b).Self-control is the ability to say no to passions that are provoked in us, either by the Actions or failures of others, the result of which is that we get angry, impatient, or dismissive – the right way is to apply grace and forgiveness, or Attractions presented by an opportunity to sin by indulging the sinful nature – the right response being to resist the temptation and pursue righteousness and holiness.
Concerning the fruit of the Spirit, Paul says there is no law that will fault anyone who lives this way. Put another way, quit trying to justify yourself through the law. You will only succeed in bringing guilt upon yourself. Yield yourself instead to the Spirit so that he produces in you his fruit. You will be within the limits set by the law, yet free from its oppressive requirements. How about that?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.