82 - The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 - 6:10

Paul is just a little upset by what he has heard is going on in the churches in Galatia which he had founded and nurtured.  And it shows in his writing.

He had told them that the Good News of Jesus was available to all, including those who were not circumcised.  After the churches were established other preachers came who preached that circumcision was necessary for all believers in Jesus.  You can see how upset Paul is if you just go back a few verses before today's reading.

So in the letter to the Galatians Paul reiterates what he also said to the Romans:  we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by doing works of the law.

Immediately before today's reading Paul tells his readers what freedom from the law by living in Christ means:

 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. 14 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 15 If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

So if you live by this single commandment to love one another, then you do not live by "the flesh" but by the Spirit, and the fruits of the Spirit flow from that way of living.

Have you experienced the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that Paul promises?  Not all the time, but sometimes?  Does Paul's message ring true?