No Law Against These Things
03.19.20 Teatime With Jesus – No Law
Against These
Galatians 5:22-23
NLT –
22 But the
Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,
and self-control. There is no law against these things!
TPT – 22–23 But the fruit produced
by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures,
kindness in action,
a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and
strength of spirit.
Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to
be limitless.
MSG –
22-23 But what happens
when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that
fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about
life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion
in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and
people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force
our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
I LOVE the way the Message (MSG) and The Passion
Translation (TPT) write out these verses!! Not only the “spelling out” the
meaning of the words a bit more clearly, but the plain, blunt, truth – black and
white! When we live God’s way, we are NOT deprived, boring, under restraints…
but we have a freedom to BE and HAVE these gifts and promises in and through us
– WITHOUT any limits!! The part, “there is no law against these” part – well,
we can not be punished or put in jail for these things, really. I guess, here on
earth, there will come a time when evil rules, and THEN it may be true, that
there is a “law” against such things – but for now, there is not! We are free
to exhibit, share, and be these things towards ourselves and others J
Today, if you are feeling low, pray about someone
that you already know, that exhibits these qualities. Then – here it comes –
reach out to them! No need for long explanations. Just reach out and say
something like, “The Lord brought you to mind today. How are you?” Or, “I was just
thinking of you today, and thought I’d touch base.” Or, better yet, “I was
feeling kind of low, needing someone to share a smile, and I thought of you.”
Believe me, if they are able, they WILL answer you! If they are like me,
sometimes, I cannot get right to my phone, but I DO answer as soon as I can. If
I received a message or a text like one of these, I would step away from my
desk as soon as I could!!
I am praying for you today. For ALL of us. Fear
and concern are “good” things to be able to feel and have. However, they are
not something the Lord wants us to “live in”. I am praying our amazing Papa is
going to show you small, simple ways that He is in control and pouring His love
out onto you ;-) Be well, be safe, and be blessed BIG time today!! <3
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