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Galatians 5:22, 23 - The Fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22, 23 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit 
produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, 
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 
gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against 
these things! 

INTRODUCTION

The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous 
work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit 
produces these character traits that are found in the 
nature of Christ. They are the by-products of 
Christ's control--we can't obtain them by 'trying' to 
get them without his help. If we want the fruit 
of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our 
lives to his (see John 15:4, 5). We must know him, 
love him, remember him, and imitate him. As a 
result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the 
law--to love God and our neighbors. Which of these 
qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you?  
[Life Application SB] 

Because the God who sent the law also sent 
the Spirit, the by-products of the Spirit-filled 
life are in perfect harmony with the intent of 
God's law. A person who exhibits the fruit of the 
Spirit fulfills the law far better than a person 
who observes the rituals but has little love in 
his or her heart.  [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   We should seek to produce the fruit of 
the Spirit in our lives. Or to put it more 
accurately, we should allow the Holy Spirit to produce 
His fruit in our lives. 
   You say, "I am powerless to produce such 
fruit. You don't know how weak and self-centered I 
am. It would be utterly impossible for me to do 
so!" 
   With that I agree! That is, we can't 
produce this fruit in our own strength. When the 
Spirit of God dwells in us and has control of our 
lives, He will produce that fruit. Our 
responsibility is to cultivate the soil of our hearts 
through sincere devotion and surrender, so He might 
find favorable ground to produce His fruit. 
   I might have a fruit tree in my yard, but 
if the soil isn't enriched and the bugs 
carefully destroyed, it will not yield a full crop. 
What keeps the Holy Spirit from producing His 
fruit in your life?  
   Its tempting to say, Im just not 
a patient or gentle person. On our own, 
none of us would consistently exhibit the fruit 
of the Spirit. Its Gods fruit, and He 
will produce it if our hearts are yielded to Him. 
 [Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham] 

COMMENTARY

   It is true that there may be an outward 
correctness of deportment without the renewing power of 
Christ. The love of influence and the desire for the 
esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life. 
Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. 
A selfish heart may perform generous actions. 
By what means, then, shall we determine whose 
side we are on?  
   Who has the heart? With whom are our 
thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our 
warmest affections and our best energies? If we are 
Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest 
thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is 
consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe 
His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all 
things.  
   Those who become new creatures in Christ 
Jesus will bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, 
"love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, 
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Galatians 
5:22, 23. They will no longer fashion themselves 
according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the 
Son of God they will follow in His steps, 
reflect His character, and purify themselves even as 
He is pure. The things they once hated they now 
love, and the things they once loved they hate. 
The proud and self-assertive become meek and 
lowly in heart. The vain and supercilious become 
serious and unobtrusive. The drunken become sober, 
and the profligate pure. The vain customs and 
fashions of the world are laid aside. Christians will 
seek not the "outward adorning," but "the hidden 
man of the heart, in that which is not 
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet 
spirit." 1 Peter 3: 3, 4.  SC58,9   

There can be no growth or fruitfulness in 
the life that is centered in self. If you have 
accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to 
forget yourself, and try to help others. Talk of 
the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do 
every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden 
of souls upon your heart, and by every means in 
your power seek to save the lost. As you receive 
the Spirit of Christ--the Spirit of unselfish 
love and labor for others--you will grow and 
bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will 
ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, 
your convictions deepen, your love be made 
perfect. More and more you will reflect the likeness 
of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and 
lovely. COL67-9   

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Galatians 5:22, 23: The Fruit of the Spirit.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190820-1120.html 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190929-1013.html 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200420-0835.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657  

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW (Live 
Series): 
https://www.discoverhopeawakens.com/webinar-registration-21585698406854