Galatians 5:1-26

The Fruit of the Spirit

There are two way to try and reach God: the law and the Spirit. Paul has made a strong case in this letter saying that you can’t really travel both roads at once. If you try the law then you are, as Paul says, “fallen away from grace”. Clearly, the way of the Spirit is the right way. Jesus Himself said that we have to be born of the Spirit.

There are multiple benefits that come with following the Spirit. The most obvious is being born into the Kingdom and baptized into Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul talked about gifts that come from the Spirit. Here Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit. Gifts are not resident in our lives but fruit is resident and over time is intended to grow. 

When the Spirit is really present in our lives the results are reflected in the list Paul gives us here. I’ve known people who claimed to have the Spirit because they could manifest certain gifts; yet, there wasn’t a lick of love in them at all. Where the Spirit is present in a live there will be some evidence of love. 

These are the things that Christians should be known for. Are we people of joy, or are sour and dour? Do we have peace or do we exude anxiety and fear? Are we patient or quick to react and judge? Are we known for our kindness? Let me ask that one again in case some missed it. Are we known for kindness? Is goodness a hallmark of the Christian life; not phony showy goodness, but sincere warm goodness? Are Christians known for being faithful? Can you count on them more than the normal? Are Christians known for being gentle or do we come over as harsh and proud of it? Do we exhibit selfcontrol? 

Imagine if these were the things that most churches were looking for instead of bigger numbers and more worldly influence? There is the way of works and there is the way of the Spirit. One of these ways is not like the other.