As followers of Jesus Christ we Bear and Share the Burdens of others. We share in their grief and rejoice in their blessings.
Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-25 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Galatians 5:4-6 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
God is never late as we see time but life is always in His control and in His perfect timing. He is long-suffering and wants no one to perish but all of His creation to have the chance to come to Him. What does He require of us? Be fair. Be forgiving. Be humble in our walk with Him. Micah 6:8 Carla
These traits describe the desires and characteristics that God cultivates in believers through His living presence.
In these verses, Paul exhorts the Galatians to walk in the Spirit because they are already living in the Spirit. Such an action should be natural, but unfortunately we are at war with the flesh. Walk in the Spirit means to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
A believer following the Spirit’s lead (verse 16) will not become conceited, provoke others, or envy others. Faithlife Bible Study
Those who “live by the Spirit” (verse 16) produce fruit reflecting the character of God that the law could not (3:21). However, this list shouldn’t be turned into a new kind of law (a replacement for faith in Christ and life lived by the Spirit).
The fruit analogy is reminiscent of Jesus’ teaching on the vine, branches, and fruitful harvest (John 15:1–5). Christians are spiritually “crucified with Christ” (2:20). They no longer have to follow the values or desires of the world (6:14). However, it remains difficult for Christians to apply this spiritual reality to the passions (affections) and desires (lusts) of the flesh (verse 16). Those who have mastered these sinful desires are those who have kept their focus on God (John 17:3; Hebrews 12:1–3). In these verses, Paul exhorts the Galatians to walk in the Spirit because they are already living in the Spirit. Such an action should be natural, but unfortunately we are at war with the flesh.
Walk in the Spirit means to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. A believer following the Spirit’s lead (verse 16) will not become conceited, provoke others, or envy others. The NKJV Study Bible
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Galatians 5:16–21 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish…
Colossians 3:12–17 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do…
Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Ephesians 5:9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
What is inside will eventually show on the outside. Jesus also warned about the behavior of false prophets revealing their true motives and beliefs, explaining, "You will recognize them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). Our works are evidence of our faith (or lack thereof), revealing whether we are truly walking with God or simply professing "belief" without transformation.
So how do we know we're real believers when we ourselves still struggle with sin? Is our salvation insecure?
No! But there's a difference between doubting our salvation and thoughtfully examining our lives. As we reflect on Titus 1:15-16, let's take an honest look at our hearts. Are we living in a way that aligns with the faith we profess? Do our daily choices, thoughts, and behaviors reflect a life surrendered to Christ? If there are areas where our faith and works don't match, let's invite God to refine us.
Instead of succumbing to shame or vowing to "do better" today, we can remember that true transformation doesn't come from trying harder; it comes from God's Spirit working within us (Romans 8:13; Jude 1:24). Without His help, even the best circumstances cannot produce righteousness in us. But when we faithfully trust God and consistently immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing Truth to shape us, our perspective and desires begin to change. First5
"I have come to realize that a mother lode of strength lies waiting in all of us, unmined gold yearning to gleam in the sunlight," Former Trappist George Fowler writes. That’s worth re-reading.
Today, it's not that we "choose" to dance—or take replenishment in creativity and art—so much that we "choose" to give up living afraid. We give up living afraid by responding to this melody (the love of the Beloved, the voice of Grace) that tells us we are more than our labels. We are more than our pain. And our dance is the interplay with that voice. Because we are enough, our hearts are alive.
I teach writing. And the first lesson is the most difficult: Write. Write, without editing, censoring, rewriting or revising. Simply write.
At my workshops, I have heard this comment, "I wondered when you were going to move on from the laughter and move on to the more important stuff." And I tell them, "Just so you know, that was the important stuff." Because that's just it isn't it? Our dance—a wholehearted interplay with life—happens when we give up our need to quench the spirit.
When we see with our heart. When we taste with our imagination. When we touch this moment (the sacred present) with our delight. When we laugh from the gut. When we know that here and now, we are connected to our brothers and sisters. And that makes a difference.
When we dance—and savor the gift of art—the voice of Grace is our music.
We are not afraid of vulnerability. The joy that is buried deep inside is uncovered. And joy spills light, making space for others to find their dance. Let us honor our shared humanity. That we are indeed on this journey together. “Sabbath Moments” Terry Hershey
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