Inspired by Galatians
5:16-26
“By contrast, the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
There is no law against such things.”
Galatians 5:22
In today’s competitive environment, it can be difficult to
remain committed to following the way of the Lord. Especially as the structures that undergird
our society become increasingly unjust and amoral, it can seem as though living
according to traditional Christian values is becoming more and more
challenging.
But traditional Christian values came to be in an
environment that was hostile to them.
Jesus came into a world that didn’t want to hear his message of grace
and forgiveness, and he was killed for proclaiming it. The Christians to whom Paul was writing were
being persecuted for their faith, yet they were still called to practice love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control. The law of the land did
not support or reward those values, but there was nothing stopping people from
living according to them nonetheless.
As our culture becomes more and more accepting of
self-indulgence and irresponsibility, and our laws reward those who act in
selfish and exploitative ways, remember that there is still no law against
exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit. Let
the love of God reign in your heart and in your life.
Let us pray. Truine
God, you sent your Holy Spirit to guide us in our ways. Open our hearts to the fruits of your Spirit,
that we may live extraordinary lives in these troubling times. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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