How to live in the Spirit? How to live a fruitful life? Well this is instructive, as far as it goes. We can live by our own will and that sounds very 'normal,' however this first passage says there is another way to live; a way that is not normal; a way that is more than normal. Just as yesterday we talked about being more than conquerors, today we hear about how to be more than normal.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
This life in the Spirit sounds like a restful one. to live in joy and peace, to treat others with kindness, to be faithful...full of faith, to rule myself with control, these are ways that may not be normal, and yet I would choose them over the alternatives.
Left to my own devices, or inclinations, I could be angry or irritated (which would make me irritating). I don't usually have 'fits' of anger but this isn't about my actions relative to someone else's, that is what the second half of this passage is talking about. I must worry about my own response to God's call. Interesting that we must bear each others burdens, and yet we must judge ourselves according to our work. There is a fine line between becoming conceited, as if the Spirit-filled life were my own doing, and yet one must not irritate others to the point that they are not able to live a peaceful, joyous life. And if they are filled with joy and peace, it is not for us to covet their happiness.
Simple words, and not many verses, but I believe I could work this out, ponder and wonder all day, indeed maybe all my life and still have more to live into.Jesus Christ has 'crucified' the desires that are not of the Spirit. I think to myself, then why won't these behaviors and thoughts stay dead? I don't know.
Perhaps that is why it says "as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Just as this reading ends today, so I will end my thoughts. Let us daily, continually do good to everyone.
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
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