The Struggle of Flesh Against the Spirit

We are created in His image

We must start where God started, in the beginning. We were created in His image and likeness, unlike all the rest of creation and creatures. As such we possess an intellect that seeks truth and a will that seeks happiness. While God saw that creation was good, He noted after creating Man that creation was very good. (Gen. 1:25,31).

Sin entered the world because Man sought happiness apart from God, taking pleasure in self and what God created, rather than the Creator. Some say it is normal to sin; after all we are only human. Sin is common, but it is never normal. It is not typical to offend someone who loves us unconditionally.

Works of the flesh versus fruit of the Spirit

Works, by definition, require the intent and capability to do the act, and the effort that is necessary to complete it. Self-centered works are generally not consistent with God’s design for our nature. We know this because our conscience accuses us when we look inward for pleasure at the cost of others. By doing so, we commit sin and thus are culpable. Fruit, as St Paul describes by comparison, is not caused as much as it is the result of a loving spiritual condition. People who live in submission to the will of the Holy Spirit, love almost without thought or reflection.

Mortal consequence of selfishness

St Paul is very clear that selfish works deprive one of the Kingdom of God. In fact, he emphasizes this by saying “I warn you, as I warned you before…” In other words, he meant it. (Gal 5:21). When we look at the forbidden list, one thing strikes us immediately. The actions described are offenses against the dignity of our own body, or offenses against the body or condition of another: Immorality, impurity, rivalry, jealousy … occasions of envy, orgies and the like. (Gal 5:19-21). There is no life in such a soul, simply a corrupt unloving existence – hence its final destiny cannot be with a God who is love.

Fruit, not fruits, of the Spirit

Note the singular verb used to describe the fruit of the Spirit. Looking at the list is like looking at the individual segments of a tangerine. Each segment is not a separate fruit, but all parts of the same tangerine. Likewise with the fruit of the Spirit, for the listed items are all different segments of one fruit – Love. (Gal 5:22-23). Joy is love in jubilation. Peace is love in stillness. Patience is love enduring. Kindness is warm-heartedness. Generosity is love that doesn’t count the cost. Faithfulness is devoted love. Gentleness is a tender love. Finally, Self-control is that moderation of love which is just and merciful, not prone to either extreme, such that it motivates others to seek our assistance and counsel.

Loving like God loves

Let us seek the fruit of the Spirit – that expression of love that is so automatic, we are prompted to react and do react as the Spirit informs us. If so, we will then possess the salvific virtue of love, not just mere compassion for others. (cf 1 Cor 13:13). God Bless.

[Readings: GAL 5:18-25; LK 11:42-46]