Day 6: Overcoming Obstacles to Love, Joy, and Peace

Key Passage:

Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT) "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions."

Related Passages:

• Romans 7:15-25
• Ephesians 4:30-32
• 1 John 2:15-17

Devotional: The fruit of the Spirit doesn't grow automatically or without opposition. Today, we examine common obstacles to love, joy, and peace, and how to overcome them through the Spirit's power.

Paul describes an ongoing battle between our sinful nature and the Holy Spirit. This internal conflict explains why, despite our best intentions, we sometimes find ourselves responding with anger instead of love, complaining instead of joy, or anxiety instead of peace.

One major obstacle is unforgiveness. Jesus linked our experience of God's forgiveness to our willingness to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15). Harbouring resentment creates a blockage through which the Spirit's fruit cannot flow freely. Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs us to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

Another obstacle is worldliness—absorbing the values, priorities, and perspectives of a culture opposed to God. 1 John 2:15-16 warns, "Do not love the world or anything in the world... For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." When we're constantly immersed in media, relationships, and activities that glorify selfishness, materialism, and instant gratification, we shouldn't be surprised when love, joy, and peace struggle to grow.

Fear also chokes the fruit of the Spirit. 1 John 4:18 tells us that "perfect love drives out fear." When we're controlled by fear—of rejection, failure, loss, or the future—we retreat into self-protection rather than extending love, experiencing joy, or maintaining peace.

The good news is that these obstacles, while formidable, are not insurmountable. The same Spirit who produces fruit provides power to overcome what hinders growth. Romans 8:13 reminds us that "if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."

Call to Action: Identify one specific obstacle that's hindering the fruit of love, joy, or peace in your life. It might be unforgiveness toward someone, a worldly influence, or a particular fear. Take a concrete step today to address this obstacle—perhaps having a difficult conversation, changing a media habit, or surrendering a fear to God through prayer and Scripture meditation.

Reflection Questions:

1. What specific attitudes, habits, or influences most commonly hinder the fruit of the Spirit in my life?
2. Is there someone I need to forgive to remove a blockage to spiritual fruit?
3. What worldly values have I unconsciously absorbed that conflict with the Spirit's work in me?

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, I acknowledge the ongoing battle between my sinful nature and Your work in my life. Forgive me for the ways I've grieved You through unforgiveness, worldliness, fear, and other obstacles to spiritual fruit. I specifically confess [name the obstacle you identified]. Give me both the desire and the power to overcome what hinders Your fruit from flourishing in my life. Help me to cooperate with Your transforming work rather than resisting it. In Jesus' name, Amen.