Galatians 5:19-23 clearly distinguishes between the “works” (plural) of the flesh and “fruit” (singular) of the Spirit. They are not identical. “works” are deeds which could be good or bad (1 Cor. 5:10). “fruit” contains only unified godly characteristics that are rooted in the Holy Spirit. Good “works” reflect faith in the Lord, while bad “works” indicate no faith (James 2:20-26). Every Christian has the Holy Spirit and thus has the fruit of the Spirit, though not all of them manifests it. Even when the flesh manifests bad “works,” the “fruit” of the Spirit is still good. Christians manifest the “fruit” when we “walk by the Spirit…you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Questions:
(1) Which are you manifesting each day?
(2) Which should you walk by each day?
(3) What’s your resolve at this point?
Keep your answers between you and the Lord and consider the best decision to make while in this ongoing war between the flesh and the Spirit (Rom. 7:26).
Blessings!
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