But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Paul’s letter to the Galatians highlights the freedom that we have in Christ. There is a struggle, a choice, between the flesh and the Spirit. When we follow the flesh, we inevitable break God’s Law. But when we follow the Spirit, we will fulfill God’s law. The law and the Spirit are not contrary to one another, rather the flesh and the Spirit are.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
When we choose to walk in the Spirit, His fruit grows in us and we no longer need the restraining (and condemning) work of the Law. The result of truly yielding to the Spirit is that we will love our neighbor. We will love God. And thus fulfill the Law.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14
God’s law is beautiful, right and righteous, but it does not save. Through the saving work of Jesus, He has given His Spirit to us so we can live in the freedom of following Him. I want to lead a right life and not walk in the flesh. Trying by my own power to keep the law can lead to self-righteousness, even though I surely fail. But in yielding to the Spirit, I resist the flesh, and keep the law.
Holy Spirit, work in and through me for the sake of Your righteousness.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18
