Today's reading: Galatians 5-6
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against such things. Galatians 5: 22 NRSV
When you hear the word "fruit" you might picture the produce section of your grocery store. Healthy, or on a diet may be the second thoughts that come to mind. We need to change our thinking about fruit!
Fruit must have been a very desirable treat in the lands of the Middle East. Although we might picture apples, bananas, oranges and pears, Paul and his contemporaries probably were thinking figs, dates, pomegranates and grapes. Most of these would have been served at the end of the meal. The only other form of sugar would have been honey, so I imagine fruit for them was actually a type of desert.
We again might see fruit of the Spirit as a healthy alternative. Wouldn't it be more enticing to have Spiritual sweets? For Paul fruit was desirable and sweet, not just good for you! When we look what happens when we are producing behavior and thoughts in line with the Holy Spirit, we need to be thinking about candy, cookies, cakes, donuts and ice cream! These are good things, desirable and celebratory.
Sweets of the Spirit? Bring 'em on!
God, help us to see how Spiritual sweets can be a desirable way of living in the spirit! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Showing posts with label Galatians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Galatians. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Growing Up
Today's reading: Galatians 3-4
Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24 NRSV
Paul really sees our belief in Jesus as a mark of maturity as God's people. For those under the law, they still needed a "disciplinarian" which in Greek was actually a nanny of sorts. Usually this person was a slave whose only job was to make sure the child did not come into any harm. When the child reached their majority, the slave's job was done. The law kept us out of trouble. But now that we are grown up, we have the Spirit as followers of Christ.
My son's birthday is today. Each year I notice how grown up he is becoming and how he needs me less and less. He still needs discipline but I can tell that soon he will be on his own. He is going to need Jesus more than ever. And so will I!
And so we all need Jesus. The law can keep us out of trouble but now we are mature in Jesus Christ.
God, thank you for discipline, maturity and our life in Christ. May we continue to be grown up in our faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24 NRSV
Paul really sees our belief in Jesus as a mark of maturity as God's people. For those under the law, they still needed a "disciplinarian" which in Greek was actually a nanny of sorts. Usually this person was a slave whose only job was to make sure the child did not come into any harm. When the child reached their majority, the slave's job was done. The law kept us out of trouble. But now that we are grown up, we have the Spirit as followers of Christ.
My son's birthday is today. Each year I notice how grown up he is becoming and how he needs me less and less. He still needs discipline but I can tell that soon he will be on his own. He is going to need Jesus more than ever. And so will I!
And so we all need Jesus. The law can keep us out of trouble but now we are mature in Jesus Christ.
God, thank you for discipline, maturity and our life in Christ. May we continue to be grown up in our faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Monday, October 18, 2010
Grace and Peace to you
Today's reading: Galatians 1-2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:3 NRSV
May God's grace flow upon you this day. May this grace fill you and overflow so that it touches everyone you come into contact with.
May you be filled with peace that is beyond understanding. May God's peace rest upon you and cushion your steps, your thoughts and your emotions. May God's peace give you an easy sleep this night.
May Christ's gracious peace be yours today and for all time.
In His name I pray.
Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:3 NRSV
May God's grace flow upon you this day. May this grace fill you and overflow so that it touches everyone you come into contact with.
May you be filled with peace that is beyond understanding. May God's peace rest upon you and cushion your steps, your thoughts and your emotions. May God's peace give you an easy sleep this night.
May Christ's gracious peace be yours today and for all time.
In His name I pray.
Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
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