Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia to defend the true gospel of grace and to show what a life led by the Holy Spirit looks like.
In this passage, he contrasts the desires of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. This matters for our daily lives because every believer feels that inner tug-of-war between old sinful patterns and new desires from God.
The Lord does not just forgive us; He also teaches us how to walk in step with His Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-23
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Devotional
Paul begins by urging believers to “walk by the Spirit” so they will not gratify the desires of the flesh. The “flesh” is our sinful nature that pulls us toward impurity, selfishness, and rebellion against God.
The Spirit and the flesh are opposed, which is why the Christian life often feels like a battle inside. We cannot win this fight in our own strength; we need the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, choices, and affections as we depend on Christ by faith.
Paul then lists the “works of the flesh,” which include outward sins and heart attitudes that damage our relationship with God and with others. These are not small mistakes but serious warnings about what characterizes a life apart from God’s rule.
By contrast, the “fruit of the Spirit” shows what grows in a life surrendered to the Lord: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Like fruit on a tree, these qualities develop over time as we stay rooted in Christ and yield ourselves to His Word.
To “walk by the Spirit” is to daily say no to the old desires and yes to what pleases God, trusting that we belong to Christ and that our flesh has been crucified with Him. This is not about earning salvation but about living out the new life we already have by grace.
In the context of the local church and everyday relationships, the fruit of the Spirit becomes visible: forgiving when wronged, choosing kindness over harshness, exercising self-control when tempted. As we keep in step with the Spirit, our lives quietly point others to the transforming power of the Lord Jesus.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for coming to live in me and giving me new desires that honor the Father.
Thank You that in Christ I am no longer a slave to the flesh.
Forgive me for the times I give in to old sinful patterns in my thoughts, words, or actions.
Teach me today to walk by You, to listen to Your prompting, and to obey Your Word.
Grow in me the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Help my life to show that I belong to Jesus and that His grace truly changes people.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Couple Things We’re Building
Thanks for reading. We’re grateful to be on this journey of learning and growing in the Word together.
Grace and peace,
The Christian Newsletter