Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Bearing the fruit of Pentecost

Bible Reading:  Galatians 5:16-26

Key verse: Galatians 5:25 - “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
 
DEVOTION

The book of Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul to a group of churches in the region of Galatia who were struggling with legalism and the temptation to return to the Old Covenant law as a means of righteousness. Paul passionately defends the gospel of grace, reminding the believers that salvation and spiritual growth come not through works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. His letter is a call to freedom—freedom from sin, from legalism, and from the flesh.
Galatians 5:16–26 contrasts two opposing forces at work in every believer: the flesh and the Spirit. Paul reminds us that though we have been set free in Christ, there remains a daily battle within us. Our old nature—the flesh—still tries to exert control. But through the Holy Spirit, given to us through the power of Pentecost, we now have the strength to walk in a new way, producing fruit that reflects the very character of Christ.
Pentecost was not just a moment in church history; it was the beginning of a Spirit-filled movement where the presence of God would no longer dwell in temples made by hands but within His people. The Holy Spirit came not only with power but with purpose—to transform hearts, renew minds, and empower believers to live lives that glorify God. The fruit of the Spirit, described in Galatians 5:22–23, is evidence of that transformation: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
These qualities are not simply traits we try harder to exhibit—they are the natural byproduct of a life surrendered to the Spirit. Just as fruit grows when a tree is rooted in good soil and receives sunlight and water, so spiritual fruit grows when we remain rooted in Christ and stay connected to the Holy Spirit. Bearing the fruit of Pentecost means allowing the Spirit to shape our attitudes, actions, and desires, so that our lives reflect the Kingdom of God in a world still marked by the works of the flesh.
Paul says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (v. 24). This is the call of Pentecost: not just to experience the Spirit’s power but to walk in the Spirit’s way. To bear the fruit of Pentecost is to live each day in step with the Spirit, choosing love over hate, peace over discord, self-control over indulgence. It's not always easy, but it is possible—because the Spirit who raised Christ from the dead now lives in us.
When we bear the fruit of the Spirit, we become living witnesses of God’s transforming grace. Our lives become testimonies that point others not to our own goodness, but to the presence of a holy and powerful God dwelling within us. Pentecost is more than a moment—it’s a way of life.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, thank You for dwelling within us and empowering us to live in a way that honors Jesus. Teach us to walk daily in step with You. Let the fruit of Your presence be evident in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help us not to gratify the desires of the flesh but to live as those who have been made new. May we bear the fruit of Pentecost in everything we do, and may others see Christ in us.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The Holy Spirit doesn’t just come with power—He comes to produce fruit. Today, choose to walk in step with the Spirit and let your life bear the evidence of His presence.


Alex Thomas, LIMTC, NY

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