But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
In today's text, the Apostle Paul talks about fruit and how the Holy Spirit changes our life. He gives two lists; first is what I will call rotten fruit, those natural desires that tempt us are in opposition to the Spirit. Here's the list, not inclusive of everything but ending with the equivalent of etcetera, "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." It may feel good, even great, at the time, but ultimately this rotten fruit takes its toll.
Now let's look at the fresh fruits of God, "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Do we see anything on the list that will get us in trouble or lead to destruction? Of course not, because these things are healthy and can only bring about good things.
With the options being so obvious, why does humankind often feel inclined to pick from the rotten fruit list? It is because of our natural inclination to sin and yield to temptation. Yet, we don't have to live that way. Strengthened by the Spirit, we can reject the rotten fruit and enjoy the fresh fruits offered by God.
Precious and compassionate God, we thank you for your Holy Spirit. Please help us live by the fruit of the Spirit and reject those harmful things. May our lives be witnesses of these fruits. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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