If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 NABRE
The quoted verse comes from a section of the letter to the community at Galatia speaking about the power of the Spirit over the flesh (also known as the natural body.) It is a section that contrast the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh within Christians. In trying to become people who are Christlike; we struggle, the flesh is trying to satisfy desires that are against the Spirit; Paul mentions; immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, rivalry, jealous, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies and the like. We can readily recognize some of these behaviors in our own lives, while others perhaps we do not act upon. Acting on these Paul says, will not lead to inheriting the kingdom of God. In contrast the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The description of the fruits of the Spirit do not focus on specific acts but describe the character of people whose lives are led by the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us through Baptism we have come to belong to Christ and Christ has given us the Holy Spirit. Therefore we do live in the Spirit, or rather the Spirit lives in us; we should give control to the Spirit, allowing the Spirit to guide us that we may be in step with what the Spirit wants for our life. The Spirit is an incredible gift, allowing the Spirit to lead us we can have many of the fruits the Spirit provides.
Life is hard, we struggle with the desires to serve ourselves and the wanting to be like Christ. The Spirit is the gift that can help, but we must relinquish control and follow.
Do you accept the Spirit lives in you? Which of the desires of the flesh do you struggle with the most?
Life is hard, we struggle with the desires to serve ourselves and the wanting to be like Christ. The Spirit is the gift that can help, but we must relinquish control and follow. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #fruit #desire #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion