Together in Christ: 'The Spirit's Transformation!' — Galatians 5:22-23

Sunday, July 21, 2024

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
— Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Key Thought

Paul was emphatic: when the Holy Spirit is transforming us, and we are focused on following and exalting Jesus, the Spirit brings this kind of fruit to life in us. [1] We become like Jesus, Who embodied this fruit in His life. [2] God's nature is repeatedly defined in Scripture using three concepts: righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness. Do you want to see these three areas of God's nature? Look at the fruit of the Spirit listed above!

We don't need a law to govern us when the Spirit leads us, and our lives are transformed to become like Jesus! [3] We don't need a written code — in stone or ink. [4] We become the people we are supposed to be! Does this mean we ignore the teaching about moral righteousness, holy speech, and faithful dedication to God? No. But it also means we quit fighting about the rules, laws, and codes. We focus on Jesus. We reawaken to what the Holy Spirit did with people who lived in a time as immoral and degraded as our own. Let's become JesuShaped people, people transformed by the Holy Spirit! [5]

[1] Notice Paul's words: "The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives."
[2] 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:28-29.
[3] Galatians 5:23-26.
[4] 2 Corinthians 3:4-8.
[5] 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Today's Prayer

Father, I want to reflect Your nature more fully in my daily thoughts, words, and actions. I want the Spirit's fruit to come alive in me and show others Your way of life. I ask that the Holy Spirit continue and accelerate my transformation into the character, compassion, and faithfulness of Jesus. I pray this in His name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 3:1-19
  • Galatians 5:13-26

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Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 5:22-23 NLT — But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

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.