The primary purpose of the Spirit in our lives is to empower and enable us to bear witness to Jesus Christ. As part of this process, the Spirit fosters the bearing of certain fruits in our lives and personalties: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Paul lists these in Galatians 5 in contrast to the inclinations of the flesh, which is in conflict with the Spirit.
A life driven by flesh is all about self: MY desires, MY rights, MY territory, MY stuff... ME, MY, MINE. All in conflict with the way of Jesus, who calls us to look first to others and their needs, their health, their benefit, their well-being. Paul reminds us that our old self and flesh are crucified (5:22-26), and urges us to let go of it all, and open ourselves to the Spirit as He fosters this fruit that bears witness. We have a choice between selfish and snarky v. gentle, kind and joyful.
NOT ABOUT BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION – Not about what we do but WHO WE ARE. In Christ we are NEW CREATION – Gal 6:14-16 That's what counts! "Peace to all who follow this rule" – the rule of New Creation!
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