Living Grace

Galatians 5:16–25; 1 Corinthians 13:7

Paul explains the battle between our human tendency to sin and God’s Spirit. He warns us not to give into sinful desires, but instead to show the fruits of the Spirit. These fruits, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, show that our life is being changed from the inside out. Paul stresses how important it is to grow these fruits because they show we’ve turned away from sin and chosen to follow the Spirit.

1. What does this passage teach us about how to know them, how to understand them, recognize them?

Paul makes it clear that just following rules can’t truly change us. Instead, it’s the powerful love from God that changes our hearts. True rightness comes from a heart changed by God’s love, not just obeying rules. Paul also points out that all the parts of spiritual growth are connected. He suggests that focusing on our weakest trait can show us how we’re really growing, and that growth usually happens slowly.

2. How do we grow it?

Paul teaches us that turning away from sin isn’t just about not doing bad things. It’s about a deep change in our hearts and standing firm against sin. Our sinful nature tries to find its worth and rescue through being good, which leads to strong desires. We need to identify and deal with these desires. Paul reminds us that being a Christian means belonging to God, finding joy in overcoming sin, remembering the kindness we’ve received from God, walking with the Spirit, and being part of a community that helps us grow spiritually and have better relationships.