Flesh vs Spirit (part 3)

In Galatians, Paul describes desires or acts of the flesh that lead to sin and death. He encourages his audience to stay away from these things and to desire the fruits of the Spirit instead. Today we are going to look at three similar acts of the flesh he describes as discord, dissension, and factions. 

Discord, as the NIV denotes this word, can be described as strife or contention. Dissensions are basically divisions that happen among the people and factions are described as sects or private groups that are chosen and exclusive, which would lead to divisions. These things Paul is describing are things that lead to division among God’s people. There is unnecessary tension in relationships and people are taking and choosing instead of giving freely. 

The fruits of the Spirit that counter these acts of the flesh are peace, patience, kindness, and gentleness. When we have a disagreement with someone, gentleness is the way we should go about handling the situation. Trying to promote peace among each other and being kind to one another will help alleviate hard feelings. Being patient and bearing with one another is what we are called to with God’s people. 

Even though people are sometimes difficult, Paul encourages us to be patient with one another because God was patient with us. 1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” Jesus had patience with us and we are just as bad. Therefore, we should be patient with others. 

Paul asks the Ephesians in 4:3 to keep the unity of the Spirit though peace. Jesus also asked us to be peacemakers. Notice how this is different from peacekeeping. When we try to keep the peace, we are on the defense and division and strife have already manifested. Making peace with one another allows love to shine forth and leaves no room for division among us. We should always strive to make peace with one another first so the acts of the flesh like division and cliques do not enter the body of Christ. 

When we show each other love, patience, kindness, and gentleness, peace will abound through the Spirit that produces these results in us when we choose to live by it. There is no room for division and strife when the Spirit of God is present.