Devotionals for August 22, 2023

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GALATIANS 5:22-26

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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other.

Have you ever had a connection or friend who was hard to “keep in step” with? Maybe they didn’t get you or vice versa. Here, Paul is encouraging you to keep in step with the Spirit by living out His fruits. Re-read the first part above, and you’ll notice how the Spirit’s fruits mostly require someone else to love on, forgive, be patient with, etc. So to keep in step with the Holy Spirit is to live out a Christ-like life with others and for others. And Paul ends with a warning: Stay away from envying each other and provoking each other. In other words, look out for each other’s best. Encourage each other and put each other first.

Q: Which fruits of the Holy Spirit above stand out to you and why?

Q: How can you keep more in step with the Holy Spirit today?

Q: How can you model a Christ-like heart in how you treat others today?

"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

Lord Jesus, thank you for showing how to be friend to others! Your will is the restoration of all things, and help me to work towards your coming Kingdom here and now. Help me to love, to forgive, and to be a true friend through the power of your Spirit. Amen.