| NASB | NLT | VOICE |
| 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, | 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, | 22 The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, |
| 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. | 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things. | 23 gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this. |
Paul lists off the things of the earth that our desires will connect to our sinful nature. Things are like idolatry, jealousy, selfishness, division, and drunkenness. These are combatted with the things of the Hol Spirit: love, peace, patience, faithfulness, and self-control.
New Christians (and Old Christians) produce something special in our walk with Christ. These new works of the Spirit are the fruit. The Holy Spirit will spontaneously and creatively produce these fruits in us at anytime needed. The Spirit generates these things within us because we are slowly becoming like Jesus, who perfectly modeled them. The goal of being a Christian to be the reflect of God hear on earth like Jesus was.
When we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and commands of God, these fruits will grow and flow from us naturally. We can try and get these things without them, and some people can, but the self-sacrificial fruit that the Spirit creates is only available through a relationship with him. If we want the fruit to blossom and grow within us, we must be in close relationship with Jesus. We submit to him, love him, remember him, and imitate him. As a result, these fruits allow us to fulfill the law – to love God and neighbor. How do you show these fruits? Do you love those around as God loves you? Do you have patience as those ask you for help and share as their concern?
Because God sent both the law and the Spirit, the by-products of the Spirit-filled life are in perfect harmony with the intent of the law. We’ve talked about this before – if you abide by loving God and neighbor, you will typically find obedience in the overall laws found within the Bible. One who shows these fruits fulfills the law than those who just follow the law. Those who work on these fruits will better communicate and coexist with God and those around them. How are you cultivating your fruits? How are you strengthening your produce with Jesus? The more you involve yourself in a relationship in him, the more you will blossom.
Next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #189
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