But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 WEB
The bible tells us in James 2:26, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. WEB” Saved by faith through the grace of God, our actions demonstrate our faith and give it life. Our works cannot save us, but without them our faith is dead.
Obeying Christ is critical to living a Christian life. Jesus makes this clear with his words from John 14:15-17 saying, “If you love me, keep my commandments. I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever: the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him and doesn’t know him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. WEB”
The Holy Spirit lives within each faithful believer. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is defined by Paul in his letter to the Galatians. Critically, if we do not display these characteristics, we should evaluate whether or not we are on the right path in our Christians lives.
Love One Another
Jesus says in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. WEB” Christ established that our love for him is demonstrated by keeping his commands. Also, the presence of the Holy Spirit is made evident by the fruits mentioned by Paul.
The Lord informs our understanding of acceptable behavior in a warning about false prophets who come to the church as wolves in sheep’s clothing. In Matthew 7:16-20 Jesus says, “By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them. WEB”
This relates to the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Over time, we recognize the disposition of a person. The fruit of the Holy Spirit naturally flows from those in whom he resides. The joy, peace, and kindness they display are genuine and present even in difficult circumstances. When we fail to display the fruit of the Holy Spirit, our human nature takes precedence over the Spirit and we are in danger of offending God and man.
Against Such Things There Is No Law
Concerning the fruit of the Spirit, Paul says, “against such things there is no law.” The fruit of the Holy Spirit protects us and those in our lives from the offenses of the flesh. God’s Spirit guides us to be gentle, faithful, and good to one another.
If anyone is struggling to display these traits, be encouraged to ask God for the Holy Spirit. As Jesus says in his teaching about the good gifts of the Father in Luke 11:13, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? WEB” The Lord is faithful to forgive those who repent and turn to him.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit and thank you for your word. Be with me as I live out your will for my life. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: A New Earth
