Hey! Welcome back, or welcome for the first time

I was reading Galatians 5, and particularly 5:22, the fruit of the spirit, stuck out to me, hence the title, your Galatians 5-A Day!

Okay. So just a little bit of the backstory of the book of Galatians. Paul was writing a letter to the churches of Galatia, whom he had previously preached to, but they were falling away from the gospel he preached to them, due to them being influenced about a different gospel. (I would recommend watching the bible project Overview: Galatians, it’s good for a in depth overview ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmx4UjRFp0M

So, looking at chapter five, the chapter of focus, this is where Paul was telling the churches that now you’ve been set free from bondage, from sin, don’t set allow yourself to be entangled again (5:1), and that the freedom we were called to receive, isn’t an excuse for fleshly acts, but for love (5:13). He teaches thus to walk in the spirit (5:16), and not according to the flesh. Paul further lists the works of the flesh (5:19-21), and contrasts them with the Fruit of the Spirit (5:22-26) 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.Against such, there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the spirit Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another”.

So, what does this mean? When we’re living in the Spirit, being led by the Holy Spirit, we need to be intentional by getting rid of the works of the flesh, and walking ( a doing, active word) in the Spirit, therefore seeing the fruit of the Spirit being produced in our lives.

Over the next couple of weeks by Gods grace, I want to explore what it means to walk in each and every one of these actions, and how to apply these realistically in our lives. How do we intentionally love, even those who don’t love us, or aren’t particularly loveable to us? How do we show gentleness to others? How do we practice and walk in self-control?

So, please, join me over the next couple of weeks as we explore each part of these, building better habits, and being intentional about loving God and others.

Galatians 6:8 reminds us that who sows to the flesh reaps corruption, but he who sows to the spirit will reap everlasting life! And isn’t it interesting how Paul uses the image of sowing, and then talks about the fruit of the Spirit. When you sow into a life in the spirit, and walking in the Spirit, you will begin to see the fruit!

And importantly, this is about practicing being good! Practicing good habits. Building and sowing into something that will produce fruit. That will produce something great!

Galatians 5:9-10 “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith “

Choose to be kind! Choose to do good – to all.

I remember once hearing something that stuck with me. Treat other people kindly, as you have no idea what they’re going through.

I pray you have a wonderful week!

God bless you,

~ peace, joy & love,

TK x