Pastor Caleb kicks off a new series for Lent on the fruit of the Spirit listed by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians. After describing the activities of the flesh – selfishly motivated works of sin and segregation – Paul contrasts them not with opposing activity but opposing identity. Those in Christ Jesus have a new life to live, and the Spirit present in them means that they lack nothing that would motivate pride or greed. Contrary to what we often think when it comes to the fruit of the Spirit, we are not responsible for chasing the growth of these things in our lives. Fruitfulness is the natural byproduct of the life of the Spirit, which is at work in those who believe. Beginning with the fruit of love, we see that Paul's command to walk with the Spirit is encouragement to live out the freedom we have in Christ. Any fruit we have to show for our faith is simply the hidden life of God breaking out, made to bear for the care of those around us. That kind of love, divine love, changes everything, from the inside out.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Galatians 5:13-25⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (NRSV)⁠⁠⁠

The Lent guide mentioned at the start of this sermon is available for download at this link. The video referenced near its end can be viewed here. For more resources and ways to connect with us, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegardensa.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ today.