Fruits of the Spirit in Everyday LifeНамуна

Abundant Fruit in a Spirit-Led Life

Read: Galatians chapter 5 verses 16-25

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Reflection on the passage:
One thing I loved about taking my kids to the small corner farmer’s market near where we lived in Pennsylvania was that it got them excited about fruits and vegetables. Without other distracting stands of crafts and goodies, they took interest in plump organic strawberries, fresh donut-shaped peaches, or even colorful bell peppers. In this passage, Paul points us to the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Though we get distracted by the passions and desires of our fallen human nature, we know that a Spirit-led life is truly life giving and abounds in sweet and nourishing spiritual fruit.

Paul’s metaphor for living our lives in the Holy Spirit is “walking.” He uses these phrases: “walk by the Spirit”, “led by the Spirit”, and “keep in step with the Spirit”. It’s like a parent leading a young child along a path to a wonderful destination, but the little one keeps getting distracted and going off the path toward potentially dangerous places. If guided only by his/her own will and impulses without the parent’s guidance, this little one will not stay on the good path. We too make our own journeys more difficult when we choose what is contrary to the Spirit’s guidance, rather than walking closely in step with Him who dwells within us.

The more that we allow the Spirit to lead us and help us walk in His rhythms, the more our lives will show the evidence of spiritual growth and true Christ-like character. Rather than trying to make ourselves good by following laws, we will naturally stay in the lines of righteousness because of the Spirit’s transforming work within us. Our lives will then become like fruit stands of goodness for the world to see and taste that God is good.

Focus verses for prayerful reflection:
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians chapter 5 verses 24-25)

Take some deep breaths to quiet yourself before the Holy Spirit. See yourself on the path with Him. At this moment where do you find yourself? Moving with the Spirit or resisting? Is there a passion or desire that you need to surrender to Christ? Ask the Spirit to help you walk in step with Him and to grow in you the fruits that you truly long for.