By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
–Galatians 5:22-23

Do you notice that little phrase above that leads us into Galatians 5:22?

“By contrast…”

It is such a simple transition phrase, and we seem to experience it much more than we spell it out with the turn the phrase in a sentence. Sometimes life feels like a long series of contrasts and contradictions: fear and courage, loneliness and connection, bitterness and grace, death and resurrection.

Paul uses that phrase after describing the ways people and communities can unravel when life becomes centered only on self-interest, division, anger, rivalry, or endless consumption. He speaks candidly about the kinds of behaviors and attitudes that slowly erode relationships and leave people wounded and disconnected from one another.

And then comes the turn: “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

This Sunday we will spend time reflecting not only the contrast Paul saw in the churches of Galatia, but the contrasts we recognize in our own lives, relationships, communities, and world. What does it mean to nurture the kinds of things that bring life instead of diminishing it? How do we become people shaped more by the Spirit than by fear, resentment, or self-protection?

I look forward to worshipping with you in the Chapel at 9:30 this Sunday, or on YouTube as we consider together the fruit God longs to grow among us.

Brett