God prefers the fruits of the Spirit over religious nuts.
– Adrian Rogers.
Pastor Jerry Bridges explains the fruit of the Spirit is fundamentally relational. Rather than originating with us, it flows to us from our union with Christ, and it flows beyond us to bring us into fellowship with others. The secret of this flow – and our unity with God and others – is humility. Only through a humble heart, will the Holy Spirit bless and produce His fruits.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians 5:22-23. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Lamentations 3:27: Discipline And Attitude Will Assist In Your Afflictions
The fruits of the Holy Spirit
Paul told the Galatians the difference between the lust of the flesh and the fruits of the spirit. He enumerated the works of the flesh are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like (Galatians 5:19-21). And people who do this do not inherit the kingdom of God.
While the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). And with these, we are in one accord with the Triune God.
Pray for the fruits of the Spirit to be in you
The fruits of the Holy Spirit are nothing we do by our own will. When you follow Christ you will know that you are in a constant battle between the lust of your flesh and the desire to live in the Spirit. The battle is not won by our own volition, rather it is fought and won with the help of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus’ ascended He had promised a comforter to His followers. And this comforter is the Holy Spirit. Moreover, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things that He had said (John 14:26). Therefore, let us ask the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us in our ways. May we ask His leadership in everything we do. Furthermore, that through His directions we may exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, for this will bring us closer to Christ and the Father.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- Is there a battle between flesh and spirit in your life?
- Who do you feed more?
- Have your surrendered yourself in living in the Spirit? Accept Jesus Now.
- What are the fruits of the Spirit that is evident in you?
- How about the works of the flesh that you are still fighting?
- Do you share with others the wondrous fruits of the Spirit?
Related Posts
- God Warns Us. His Love Is Knocking On The Door
- Conflict between the Spirit and the Flesh
- How To Walk Rightly With Jesus Christ?
- How To Know When A Teaching Is False
- The Spirit Delivers from the Power of the Flesh
Prayer
Father, today, fill me with the fruit of the Spirit. Help me to live by the Spirit, and not by the flesh. Let me lead by example, and show my spouse and my children (my family) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, through your Spirit.
We pray in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
(from Andchored-women.com)
