Forgive One Another

Throughout the Bible, before the Lord calls us to “Do” he calls us to “Be.” Paul writes about this to the Galatians, speaking about the new nature birthed in them by the Spirit of God. (See Galatians 5:16-26.) In contrast to the works of the flesh (doing), Paul introduces the fruit of the Spirit (being). The Greek word for fruit is Karpos, which means “harvest. Fruit is that which is harvested in us by the Spirit. When we are led by the Spirit, the Spirit harvests the love, joy, peace, patience, etc. that he planted and cultivates in our hearts.

The Spirit will increase our capacity to experience a spiritual harvest of fruit as we keep in step with the Spirit, which is essential in doing what the Lord calls his followers to do. Remember, being must precede doing! You cannot do what God requires until you are under the power and guidance of the Spirit.