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Ah the balance between living in freedom not under rules and regulations and abusing that freedom.
13 For
you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But
don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your
freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
But I think Paul does give us some keys to do that in verse 16: So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
I find it interesting how different versions translate verses 22 and 23. NLT:
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
The more literal NASB translates these amazing verses:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The Voice gives us:
22) The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, 23) gentleness and self-control. You won't find any law opposed to fruit like this.
Are you experiencing the fruit of the spirit in your life? Me? I'm in a better place than I was several months ago, but there is always room to grow, especially in peace and self-control.
It really does all boil down to loving one another, doesn't it? A reminder I can always use.
ReplyDeleteGalatians 5
ReplyDelete1 Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and don’t become slaves again.
I remember the first words out of my mouth when I was saved. "I'm free, I'm free." My Spirit man knew this. How awesome. I have never forgotten it. I am in my 39th year. There is no one like the Lord. He knows the path for me I am to be on and as long as I check in with Him willingly, it keeps me from getting off on detours. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit who directs me and loves me so much to tell me, "This is the way, walk here!" Love Him! October 28 begins my 40th year in the Lord. Almost out of the desert. I am thankful for the flowers that have bloomed here, for the water in a parched land, and streams of blessing along the way. Thank You, Lord.