February 16, 2012

Galatians 5:19-25

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: 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. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

I usually don’t split the scripture midway, but let’s do an exercise! :D

Look at the first cluster. Go ahead and highlight, circle, or whatever (in your mind) the ones that apply to you.

Now, look at the second cluster. Can you tell me which ones you exemplify on a regular basis???

Out of the two groups (AND BE HONEST!!!), which one outweighs the other in terms of the group your actions fit most with? If it’s the second one, congrats!! You are displaying several fruits of the Spirit! And Jesus did say ye shall know them by their fruits so continue with your progress. If you identify with the first group, that’s fine too!! Just means we have a little work to do ;). Oftentimes, situations, events, or people in our lives affect us in ways that do not lead us to act in the way of the Spirit. Rather, we yield to the flesh…because it’s easier to do!!! But as Christians we have to learn to crucify ourselves on a daily basis so that we no longer live, but Christ lives in us. So today, try to tackle ONE of the fruits of the Spirit that you lack, and see if you can show it a little better. Also, feel free to post areas where you want help or ones that you want to work on. There’s a whole support system here waiting to help you along w/the Holy Spirit :-)

P.S. my main thing to work on is patience (forbearance) and self-control…pray for me! Lol