Finding Joy in the StruggleUzorak

Day 4: Read Galatians Chapter 5

Serving others in love may not come naturally to us. Sometimes, we are self-centered and focused on our daily comfort and pleasures. However, we have freedom in Christ and can love our neighbors even amid our own problems. Serving and caring for others can take the focus off our problems and allow us to bring joy to others. In Galatians 5, Paul tells us that we are called to be free but not to use that as an excuse to sin. Then he proclaims that the entire law is fulfilled in keeping the one command of loving your neighbor as yourself.

We have freedom in Christ. He wants a relationship with us, not us to check off a list of good behaviors. Although we do have freedom and forgiveness for our sins, our righteousness brings us closer to Him. The passions and desires of this world can be strong at times. We already have learned that we are not of this world and should shed things mentioned in Galatians 5, such as sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies. That is quite a list of sins, and he declares that individuals involved in those activities will not inherit the kingdom of God.

These activities in the flesh or in the mind are in direct opposition to God’s best for us. If we walk closely with him, there should be fruit and life, not death. Galatians 5 gives us the fruit of the spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If we live by the Spirit and belong to Christ Jesus, our earthly passions and desires will die, and our eyes and actions will reflect a Godly lifestyle.

A relationship with Christ should be our first priority. It will allow us to be closer to Him and understand His views of our actions. We should avoid the acts of the flesh and ensure we have the fruits of the spirit in our lives. Identify and list daily acts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that you can do more often. This a practical way to find joy in Christ today regardless of your circumstances.