Good morning.
It is interesting to see that Paul, having listed the different aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, says there is no law preventing these.
There is no "thou shalt not" love, have joy, experience peace, demonstrate patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness and self-control. You will not be penalized for having the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit.
There is a tendency to blame the devil when we, as followers of Christ, fall short in displaying the fruit of the Spirit. Paul, however, says not so. It is the desires and passions of our flesh.
James, in the first 3 verses of chapter 4 of his letter, spells out the cause and effect of giving in to the desires of our flesh.
So what is the solution? James says we must "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." (James 4:7-8a) Paul puts it like this. "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25 )
In every area of life we must lean into/on God. Then together with Paul we will acknowledge God saying to each of us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
Keep in step with Holy Spirit and have a good day.
Blessings.
Mike and Daphne
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