Love, Joy, Peace

In Galatians 5:13-26 Paul give us detailed instructions on how to live life by the Spirit and not the flesh. As Christians, we cannot live by the flesh and truly have the Fruit of the Spirit. The first fruit is love and Galatians 5:13-14 is clear on how we should not live by our flesh but love our neighbors.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5: 13-14

I believe if we do not have love in our heart, it is difficult to walk with joy or peace. We must die to our flesh daily and walk with love. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5: 24

When studying joy I found this quote by Avery Rimiller, “The biblical definition of joy says that joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s presence and from hope in His word”. Our joy and peace come from having a relationship with the Lord. We must trust the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Peace is a result of freedom from chains and turmoil. If we want to walk in peace, we must trust God and allow Him to guard our heart and mind. I believe you cannot have joy if you do not have love and peace if you do not have love and joy, the Fruit of the Spirit work together.

December 6 Pastor Kendra Scott