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 which 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. 7:25). Blessings!
I’m reminded of… “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
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