Galatians: Insight.

One of the most striking and affecting contrasts Paul presents is that of works of the flesh against the fruit of the spirit. He clearly presents so many of the things that not only the ancient Galatians were participating in, but things that people today are still trapped by. In verse 19 he explains saying, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkeness, orgies, and things like these.” I can personally say that I do struggle with resisting these worldly temptations. But it is an encouragement to then read his words concerning the pursuit of the fruits of the spirit. He writes, “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with it’s passions and desires.” Although the battle is though, Paul assures us that our constancy in adhering to God’s virtues will bring us these everlasting gifts.