The Fruit vs. the Works
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
Galatians 5:22–23a
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Devotional
Paul deliberately contrasts the “works” of the flesh with the “fruit” of the Spirit. Works are many, obvious, and destructive. Fruit is singular, unified, and life-giving. The Spirit does not produce fragmented traits but a whole orchard of Christlike character in the believer.
Notice that Paul says “fruit” in the singular. These qualities are not separate achievements but one fruit, grown together by the Spirit. We do not pick and choose which we like; the Spirit cultivates them all.
Against such things, Paul says, there is no law. No human rule can produce this kind of transformation, and no law can condemn it. The Spirit’s fruit is the very fulfilment of God’s intent for humanity.
Question to consider
How does viewing the fruit as one unified work of the Spirit change the way you approach growth in Christ?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank you for growing your fruit in me. Help me to welcome your work in every area of my life so that Christ’s character may be formed in me.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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