One of the true pleasures of summertime in Canada is fresh fruit. Whether it is a bowl of cherries, a juicy peach, or a crisp apple, summer fruit is truly delightful! Likewise, when the Spirit produces fruit in our lives, the impact is felt by those around us.
We are starting a new series on the Fruit of the Spirit. If you attended Sunday School as a child, you may have memorized this list of nine characteristics by singing a song. As an adult, can you name all nine? In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul provides a list of characteristics that are the result of the Spirit living in us and having control of our lives. But these aren’t nine separate characteristics. Rather, they provide a unified picture of what our life will look like when we are empowered by the Spirit.
Join us this weekend as we take a broad overview of Galatians that culminates in Paul describing a life that is controlled by our fleshly desires in comparison to a life that is controlled by the Spirit. When the Spirit enlivens us and empowers us, we will reflect the character of Jesus that embodied Agape Love.
Galatians 5:22-23 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!