The lesson taken from Paul's letter to the Galatians this morning is all about sanctification; what happens when we allow the Spirit to live and thrive within us. Over time, the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control grow and mature in us. There have been times in my life when I have looked back on situations that would have driven me crazy before, but thanks be to God, the Spirit has carried me through with patience, generosity and love.
Compare that, then, with James and John, the Sons of Thunder, and their reaction to the Samaritan city that would not welcome Jesus. "Hey Jesus, you want we should call fire to rain down from heaven upon them?" Where did they even get the idea for this? Had Jesus done this elsewhere? Had Jesus ever just gone ballistic and destroyed a town because they hadn't welcomed him properly? I doubt it. Jesus, the Son of God, a part of the Triune Godhead is tapped into the Spirit, he lives on her fruit. He knows only love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. James and John weren't there yet, they didn't know the fruit of the Spirit, yet.
Do you know the fruit of the Spirit? Do you live on it? Thrive on it? Fill us up with your Spirit, Almighty God, we need her fruit.
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