How many times have we heard the song or listing of the Fruits of the Spirit? We can pretty much spit those out in one deep breath. But how many fruist of the flesh do you know?
Galations 5 22-23 gets quoted quite a bit, but lets look at 19-21:
"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
And now back to familiar territory, in verses 22 and 23:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Hm, outbursts of anger. Ouch. Idolatry. Ouch. Strife. Oops. Jealousy. Uh oh ...
What a gentle, firm reminder to take stock of the day - which fruits am I showing? If someone didn't know that I was a Christian because I had told them such, would they see my fruits and gauge me as one?
August 7, 2008
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