Spiritual Fruit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul urges us to keep in step with the Spirit, laying out the case against following the passions and desires of the flesh – also known as our own will. He doesn’t say that it will be easy, but he issues a clear warning about the consequences of doing what we please.

The Spirit and the flesh are in opposition to one another, for holiness and sin are incompatible – ‘the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh’ (v17).

We shouldn’t need to be told what we need to avoid or stay away from, but Paul wants us to be in no doubt, because where we spend eternity depends on it. Verses 19 to 21 lists various things that the apostle has probably come across, not only in the places in which he ministered but also in the church. Does it surprise us that sexual immorality, idolatry, jealousy, rivalries, envy and divisions are mentioned? Probably not, but it should sadden us and drive us not to become complacent or conceited in any way.

But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 5:16

As Christians our desire should be to strive to live our lives in a manner worthy of our salvation and for the glory of God. If we are living by the Spirit and by the will of the Father, we will want to reflect the nature of the Lord Jesus in all our interactions with others. Changing our behaviour comes through a change of focus and by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

The Rev. C. I. Scofield refers to the fruits of the spirit as the nine graces:

• Love, joy, peace – character as an inward state;
• Patience, gentleness, goodness – character in expression toward man;
• Faith, meekness, temperance – character in expression toward God.

He states that this type of character becomes possible because of our union in Christ and our decision to yield our lives wholly to Him. So, let us open up our heart, mind and spirit as we explore what it means to live each day in peace, with joy and patience; to display love through kindness and goodness towards others, and by expressing our faith through gentleness and with self-control.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (5:25)