SPIRITUAL POWER! (Part Two)

The fruit of the Spirit is an exertion of His power! In other words, the virtues listed in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) are not produced by human effort or willpower, but are the direct result of the Holy Spirit's active, transforming power working within a believer. It signifies that these characteristics are supernatural, reflecting God's own character rather than mere behavioral modification or self-help. The fruit is not a "to-do" list of moral improvements. Trying to produce these qualities through sheer willpower leads to failure, whereas the power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to exhibit them. The Holy Spirit is actively working ("exerting power") to transform the believer’s character from the inside out. Our part is simple obedience to God’s Word. Be encouraged!

~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., teaching with God’s grace & power