Get the appGalatians: The Life I Now LiveSample
Even with all our scientific brilliance we cannot generate a single fruit merely by human effort: not a solitary grape. The same is true in the Christian life! How hard do you have to try to become joy-filled? Actually, to understand the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ we have to recognise that the clue is in the title. It is fruit, and it is from the Spirit.
The Spirit’s work in a believer is to change their desires so that out of the heart flow the characteristics of Christ. Like any fruit, the growth will be gradual, and it will come from the inside out. Paul could easily have been thinking of Jesus’ teaching at the start of John 15: ‘I am the vine; you are the branches … remain in me … bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing’ (Jn. 15:5).
The first fruit in Paul’s list (vv. 22–23) is the defining characteristic of God and therefore of the Spirit-led follower of Christ: love. The love of God overflowing from our hearts toward God and others results in four pairs of beautiful Christlike qualities:
- Joy and peace – our lives can celebrate the goodness of God’s loving rule in the midst of a chaotic world.
- Patience (ESV) and kindness – we can genuinely react to others in a way their actions don’t deserve, just like Christ.
- Goodness and faithfulness – we can manifest a self-giving love and loyalty in reflection of Christ’s character.
- Gentleness and self-control – our lives are not stirred by fleshly self-protective aggression, but by the combination of humility, tender love and resolute holiness that characterised Christ.
Notice that Paul twice mentions law – in verse 18 and again in 23. Why? Because he wants them to realise that what is needed in the Christian life is heart change, not renewed focus on the law. The law never changes hearts. But changed hearts more than fulfil the law! Love God and love others, by the work of the Spirit in you, and your holiness will surpass what the law requires. (Paul also says this in Romans 13:8– 10.) When Christ died on that cross, the old ‘kingdom of self’ desires were also crucified (v. 24). It is as if Paul is proclaiming, ‘Welcome to the wonder of the life I now live!’
Reflection
How do you see the fruit of the Spirit growing in your life? In what areas might God’s Spirit be nurturing your character currently?
Scripture
About this Plan
Paul wrote the book of Galatians to Christians who were tempted to add good works to the gospel. Although we might not want to admit it, adding to the gospel is a great temptation for us too. So be encouraged as Peter Mead takes us through these devotions, be reminded that Christ is everything, and that the gospel is all we need for our lives now in Jesus.
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