THIS STUDY goes deep into the text found in the second half of Paul’s epistles. These letters cover real struggles and what Paul has to say about them. More importantly, these letters cover what the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write. The struggles mentioned are not things only seen in biblical times; they are still being encountered today. As we read, it is easy to come across things we see in ourselves and get defensive. For instance, Paul talks about conflicts Christians have with one another, conflicts at home and in the Church, and ways to worship. Overall, how we relate to God and to one another is unveiled. And couldn’t we all do better in our relationships?
IN THESE LETTERS we are reminded that we are to live noticeably different—not as perfect people but as grateful people dependent on God. Religious tradition and self-righteous piety are not the goal, thankful living is. We are grateful to God for bringing us wayward people back to Him, again and again. Because we are grateful, we extend love, grace, forgiveness, and compassion to one another. These gifts are not tools merely to create converts, and they are not something we only demonstrate on Sunday mornings or to people who agree with our lives. Living into the fruit of the Spirit is a way of life we are called to live out in community with one another. The Way is not about upholding rules. It is about remaining close to the One who promised to remain in us so that others might encounter Him through us.
Are you ready to be challenged in how you live and love? May we all recognize that we need Jesus just as much today as we did on that day that we accepted him as our Lord and Savior. We will never need to forgive others more than He forgives us daily. May we stay teachable and willing for the Holy Spirit to show us where we need more of Him and less of us.
