Read: Galatians 5:13-23
Walk by the Spirit. (v. 16)
I used to view salvation as a one-and-done transaction: pray a prayer, and Jesus will come live in your heart forever. As I’ve matured in the faith, I have come to realize just how much it matters to live out our faith afresh each day—not relying on a single prayer I said as a child, but bringing my whole self before God as I work out my salvation, keeping in step with the Spirit (Phil. 2:2).
Our passage yesterday revealed the source of all flourishing: abiding in Jesus (John 15). In today’s passage, we find that if the secret to flourishing is abiding in Jesus, then living by the Spirit’s power is how we abide in Jesus. Paul reminds us that though we have been set free from the bondage of sin and death, we are called to live as people who have been transformed by the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Gal. 5:26-28). Such people will be evidenced by their fruit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (vv. 22-23).
This passage invites us to consider: which of these fruit need cultivating in my life? Some of these qualities go against our natural inclinations, directly confronting the harshness and impatience with which our world is charged. Once again, we find an upside-down kingdom paradox at work: it is in serving God and others as we grow the fruit of the Spirit, instead of insisting on our own way that true flourishing is found.
As you pray, invite the Holy Spirit to bring someone to mind that you can serve with the fruit of the Spirit today.
Katelyn J. Dixon is a contemplative writer, speaker, and poet living in the Seattle area. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys cooking, photography, and exploring the enchanting Pacific Northwest with her husband, Drew, while partnering with him in life and ministry.
