Presence & Power预览

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

What happens as we choose to live by the Spirit?

The Spirit in us is declaring freedom, but what do we do with this freedom? Galatians 5 tells us not to take advantage of it. The Bible is pointing us to our best life, yet by His grace the Holy Spirit is always there, picking us up when we stumble, encouraging us back on the right path. This does not mean we intentionally sin. Remember, there are consequences to sin, such as memories that stay with us, but more importantly, God’s freedom is precisely for that, to remain free. In fact Galatians 1 starts with “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”

As we live by the Spirit, our lives will start to bear fruit, and this fruit is outlined in Galatians 5; love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The result of the work of the Spirit in us is this! Matthew says, “the tree is known by its fruit!” Who wouldn’t want this kind of fruit in their lives? The perfect love of God, the joy of His favor, peace in harmony with God, perseverance with endurance, an integral kindness, upright goodness, faithfulness that boasts confidence in Him, gentle strength, and self-control through the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” This is what a fruitful life starts to look like! Ephesians warns us to have nothing to do with ‘the fruitless deeds of the dark.’ Remember, the Spirit is called the ‘Holy’ Spirit for a reason, let us not be ones who ‘grieve the Spirit’, but let us seek to live a holy life.

The fruit of the Spirit is also there when we need it. Are you going through turbulent times? Stop and ask the Spirit for peace. Are you finding it hard to control your appetite for certain areas in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with self-control. Are you losing your temper? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with love and gentleness. Remember, Galatians also gives us a glimpse of the contrasting life away from the Spirit, a life of envy and anger, selfishness and immorality. It is exactly what Thessalonians warns us: “quench not the Spirit.”

Today, stop and thank the Holy Spirit and think about the fruits of the Spirit. Choose an area to pray about today. Ask questions such as, where do I need to repent? Where do I need to submit? Where do I need to grow?