“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians chapter 5 explains in detail the contrast between living in our sinful nature and living in the Spirit of God. Essentially, it teaches us that, when we live according to our flesh, we act in ways that are contrary to God’s law, and put us at odds with Him. However, verse 22 explains that God’s Holy Spirit living in us naturally produces things that are in complete agreement with God’s perfect law. This truth is incredibly important, because we often get it completely backwards; we believe that if we can act good enough, we will be able to have a relationship with God. But this is not the case at all! It is by perusing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ that His Spirit then comes into our lives and produces the kind of person God desires for us to be. So, are you not the person you ought to be today? Above all else, you must turn to Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. And then, pursue your relationship with Him through prayer, time in His Word, worship, and meeting with brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a deep relationship with God that produces the fruit of Godly actions. Father, help us to come to You exactly the way we are so that You can make us into who we ought to be.