Week of June 21, 2009

In this chapter, the Apostle Paul explains to the Galatians that if they walk by the Spirit, God is able to keep them from doing the wrong things that they want to do. He presents a list of sinful activities that show the "works of the flesh" and warns them that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Paul gives another list of qualities that those who are led by the Spirit have. Imagine how our lives would be different if "spiritual correctness" replaced "political correctness;" if all people would be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. Our world would certainly be better if such attitudes became the norm and attaining them more desirable than becoming rich or famous. Wars that separate nations and divorces that break families apart would become history.

The truth of the matter is that these are not personality traits we could ever attain on our own, no matter how hard we might work at it. They are not part of our natural human condition. Instead, these are traits God produces in us, made possible by His sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins. Only through yielding our lives to Christ, accepting His salvation, and the work of His Holy Spirit in our hearts, can we show such spiritual fruit. The more time we spend reading the Word and the closer that our relationship is to God, the more our lives will demonstrate these spiritual traits.

Let us offer praise to our dear Heavenly Father, who gifts us by His Spirit to live acceptably for Him and to show His love to others.

1. Matthew 7 tells us that we will be known by our fruits. What are you doing to demonstrate these fruits to others?
2. Can you think of someone whose life illustrates the fruits of the Spirit?
3. Which of the fruits of the Spirit has God helped you with the most? With which one do you need the most help?