“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”—Galatians 5:25
A few verses before Galatians 5:25, Paul writes about the fruits of the Spirit in verses 22-23; But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
As I was reading a devotion about this, it pointed out what many would see as a grammatical error in this passage. According to grammar rules, it should read the fruit of the Spirit are not is. However, we know that to be one in the Spirit, we should embody all these qualities. The Holy Spirit within us is the Source and Author of all these attributes.
We can’t do it on our own. Since we live it the spirit, we have it to keep in step with it. We can’t force fruit in our life. We also can’t try to get God to “go along” with our plan. Our plan isn’t going to work. Trying to do things my way not God’s way never ends well. Thankfully, when I realize I have strayed, He hasn’t. God never leaves our side.
When we let God lead us, life goes smoother. It doesn’t mean it will be easier, but with Jesus by our side, we aren’t alone. Life isn’t meant to be powered by us. Through the power of the indwelling Spirit, we can call on Him to help us live out love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
In order for us to live out Galatians 5:25, it requires for us to communicate with God throughout our day. We depend on the Holy Spirit who convicts and leads us. It is impossible for us to live out and walk in the Fruits of the Spirit in our own flesh.
As we rely on God and not ourselves, we are empowered to walk in His ways for us which will produce Christ-like character. Making choices that honor God strengthen our character. Being dependent on God is not the social norm. Self-reliance is. We live unashamed of our dependence on Our Living God who is the Bread that sustains us.
Father God,
Thank You for being the Sustenance nourishing my soul through the priceless gift of the Holy Spirit living inside of me. I ask for forgiveness when I am not in step with Your Spirit trying to do things with my own strength. When I wander like this, I ask for You to quickly draw me back to You. Continue to lead and guide me in Your will and ways this week. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
June Verse
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”—Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
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