The fruit of the Spirit is Paul's contrast to the works of the flesh--the product of our sinful nature. Our sin produces one group of things in us, but the Holy Spirit is working to produce a contrary set of attitudes and behaviors. Make no mistake: this is God's work in us. We cannot produce these things ourselves, nor is Paul here setting forward a new set of laws to replace the ones handed down through Moses. Rather, Paul is saying that this is what the Spirit does in us as a result of God's grace. To one degree or another, as the Spirit works within us, these are the things that will manifest themselves through that gracious work, and more so as we are attentive to the means of grace. What we are doing in our Wednesday night bible studies now is looking at these virtues, this fruit of the Spirit. The first one we come across is love.
And, of course, the supreme example of this virtue for us is Jesus Christ who through his actions taught us the true meaning and the true value of love. Truly, we love him (and each other) because he first loved us.
Below you will find the audio to this bible study and I hope you will give it a listen. Love is the foremost fruit of the Spirit and the greatest of the gifts. May it be manifested in you as you grow in grace.
Click here: Galatians 5:22 - Love
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