DEVOTION – DAY 476

Galatians 5:22-23 “Fruits Of The Spirit”

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul contrasted people who were ruled by the flesh with people who exhibited fruits of the Spirit. People who were ruled by fleshly desires would be open to sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, discord, jealousy selfish ambition, anger and so on (Galatians 5:19-20). But those who are ruled by the Holy Spirit would show attributes like joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, self-control and so on. These are also some of the same attributes of God. As followers of God, it is only right that Christians will in time reflect the same attributes.

During Covid-19 pandemic, we see how some church members sacrificially show their love for those in need by venturing out of their comfort zone and safety to help distribute facial masks and foodstuff to those in need. We know of Christians who experienced joy and peace even as they face life-threatening diseases – it is a joy and peace that is not dependent on their current circumstances. 

We know some Christians who show patience even though they may be severely tested by others who may be unreasonable and demanding of their time and attention. When we asked them how they do that, their reply is that God gave them the patience needed to deal with difficult people. They remind themselves that God, Himself is patient and slow to anger, and so must they.

We know church members who are kind and good. They are always doing thoughtful things for others – like offering lifts to people in need, helping the elderly to attend their medical checkups. They are also generous to others. There are also some people who are trustworthy and reliable. We can trust them to get something done for us, and they would be on time. These are the ones who are faithful. 

Those who are gentle are the ones who are humble. They never ask for any special treatment in church despite their position in the marketplace. And those with self-control never give in to their base instincts. They are slow to retaliate even when they are provoked. They bite their tongue even when others are rude and abusive. How do Christians have such qualities? They develop them as they walk closely and faithfully with God. They will in time show more and more fruits of the Spirit.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you are patient, kind, loving, faithful. You are the God of love, the source of joy and the Prince of Peace. Please help us develop the fruits of the Spirit so that we can be more like Christ and to give you the glory. We pray in the gracious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What fruits of the Spirit do you need to develop? Share.
  2. What are some practical steps you can take to develop these fruits of the Spirit? Discuss and Share.
  3. How have you been changed from being governed by the desires of your flesh to showing more fruits of the Spirit? Share.