Nothing in our life with Christ is more important than always being filled with the Holy Spirit. He wants to let the fruit of the Spirit mature within us. After all, we are called to bear His fruit as children of God. We cannot do this through our own efforts, but rather must surrender our lives to the Holy Spirit.
It is impossible for the Holy Spirit to live within us if we are still controlled by our pride. Pride yields the “fruits of the flesh” (see Galatians 5:19-21).
No Christian can remain filled with the Holy Spirit while living without harmony, forgiveness, or love. How many so-called believers let others feel the poison of jealousy and resentment! Some create problems for others and themselves because of their temper. How much does it help to apologize after losing one’s temper? In this state, God’s power has no room to work.
We cannot dismiss lovelessness as a mere “mistake.” All lovelessness must be recognized as sin, and we must bring all our failings to Jesus so that He can cleanse us with His blood.
There is so much holy-sounding talk that is nothing but a dangerous game of hide and seek. The first reaction to sin is always to hide. We present ourselves differently than we are in reality. We wear a pious mask and are dishonest toward God, ourselves, and our fellow man. We like to excuse our own bad behavior with other people’s bad behavior. If we are wronged and react by becoming irritated, angry, or abusive, we should recognize that the other person’s unjust actions were not as significant as our own incorrect attitude.
Never casually pass over your own failings, but rather humbly confess them to the Lord. Does our self-righteousness make us too proud to do this? If you have wronged somebody out of resentment or lovelessness, ask that person for forgiveness. The Holy Spirit will give you special support with this necessary and healing step.
We need to draw ever nearer to Jesus. He wants to use the Holy Spirit to mold our character ever more after Christ so that we, having His law in our hearts, may become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4).
Surrender yourself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) so that His spirit can fill you to overflowing. Then, the fruit of the Spirit can grow within you. Examine yourself to see if this glorious fruit of the Spirit can be found in your life today: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Do not just read past this! Examine yourself sincerely! Can the Holy Spirit cultivate these fruits within you?
E.G.
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