Daily Devotional for Tuesday 12th March
Fruit of the Spirit
I have found that there are two types of people when it comes to Bible passages like this – words from God that point out fault and error.
1. Those who immediately feel guilt and believe that all of the negative things are about them and they’re doomed!
2. Those who are more inclined to immediately point the finger at someone else & believe they’re totally innocent!
Which one do you think you’re most like?
I believe there’s a balance to be struck. I believe that some of the ‘naughty behaviour list’ will resonate with you more than others – For example: your behaviour and viewing habits online that you’ve convinced yourself that you can keep secret and won’t do you any harm. The arguments and bitter words that all too easily come out of your mouth in reaction to someone else getting on your nerves. The glance, second and third glance you give to someone else’s new car, house, husband, wife… The list goes on – Look over it again in verses 19-21 and see what the outcome is if you continue to live like that.
Sobering isn’t it?
This is God’s clear word to us about our behaviour. It’s not easy in our society at the moment to stand up for what God says in His word. Some sexual immorality is seen as an ingrained, positive, part of human identity. Some things in the list are seen as our ‘rights’ as humans, but God’s clear – They’re behaviours that, if they’re a lifestyle habit, will lead to you not inheriting the kingdom of God – Serious stuff.
Look in verse 22! The “but” here is astounding. Brilliant! Verses 22-26 are a picture of life with Christ – It’s only Christ who can free us from sin and save us from the Father’s righteous anger at sin. This passage tells us if we follow Christ, we have ‘put to death’ the desires of the flesh. We should be striving to produce God’s fruit, living in step with the Spirit.
Time to reflect…
I wonder if it will help you to try and see the possible classification of the fruit – Do you see how the first three could be seen as your attitude to God, the second group of three could be about how we are towards other people and the third group of three fruits are about how we are towards ourselves?
Pause to pray…
Father, I repent of the sin that I have committed.
Father, I hear your voice in this passage of scripture. I want to be in step with your Spirit. I want to love the life of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Please bless me and all those I know with the fruit of your Spirit.
In Jesus’ name and for His sake, Amen.
