Our scripture this morning is Galatians 5:22-24 (NLT).
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
We have been given gifts of the spirit to use in our ministry (1 Corinthians 12) but here Paul gives us a list of the fruits of the spirit, the behavior of those who have accepted Jesus as their savior. While the gifts of the spirit are tools to be used in our work for Christ, the fruits of the spirit are the things people see demonstrated by our lives in Him.
Earlier in this chapter Paul warns against using our freedom as “a pretext for the flesh”, not for Christ’s purpose but to satisfy our own selfish desires. As he often does, Paul builds a case based on our present poor behavior and how following Jesus can save us by changing our hearts and lives. This is the action that can bring out the fruits of the spirit.
Paul reminds us that “those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there.” Giving up our sin to Him frees us from its control over our lives and allows us to share His love with everyone. Our decision to live for Jesus changes everything!
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we have lived selfishly, not honoring Your command to love one another. Help us to use our gifts and show the world the fruit of the spirit You have placed in all of us. Amen.
