Together in Christ: 'Demonstrating the Spirit's Influence' — Galatians 5:26

Friday, July 12, 2024

Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
— Galatians 5:26 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would be like rivers of living water flowing from their hearts. [1] Paul taught Jesus' disciples that the Holy Spirit would pour love into their hearts [2] and transform them to be more like Jesus each day. [3] So, when we are conceited, jealous of one another, or provoke each other, we are going against the work of the Spirit in our lives and are bringing "sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way" we live. [4] Instead, as Paul shared with each new believer in Asia Minor:

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
 
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. [5]

In our relationships with people — both those who are brothers and sisters in Christ and those we are trying to lead to Jesus — we want to follow the Spirit's lead [6] and let the fruit of the Spirit and the example of Jesus come through in our own lives!

[1] John 7:37-39.
[2] Romans 5:5.
[3] 2 Corinthians 3:18.
[4] Ephesians 4:30.
[5] Ephesians 4:31-5:2.
[6] Galatians 5:25.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I believe You live inside me through the Holy Spirit to conform and transform me to Jesus. I offer my heart and will to you to make me a person who blesses people and not wounds them. I am asking for Your grace and power to help me as I yield myself to You so that You can use me to bless others through what I do and say and how I respond. In Jesus' name and by Jesus' authority, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 5:13-16
  • Matthew 5:3-12

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Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 5:26 NLT — Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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