By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.


If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. -Galatians 5:22, 25


What does it look like to “live by the Spirit”? When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we are clothed with power to see ourselves in light of our goal, to look more and more like Jesus. We are given the power to bear his image with more clarity and purity. The love of Jesus is so attractive and magnetic that it pulls us away from our natural tendencies and our flaws and leads us toward his heart.


When we receive the Holy Spirit into our lives in an intentional way, we realize that this is all about God’s love. We can love the unlovable people in our lives. We can be filled with peace in the midst of turmoil. We can be patient with toddlers and teenagers. We can be kind toward grumpy co-workers or neighbors. Being guided by the Spirit is to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in all situations and in all interactions.


Stop and be still for a few moments. Ask the Holy Spirit where he is leading you today. Look for the fruit of the Spirit throughout your day.