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Galatians 5:22-26 (JDV)

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Breath is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:23 gentleness, and self-mastery. There is no law against such things.

Galatians 5:24 But those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its sufferings and cravings.

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Breath, let us also keep in step with the Breath.

Galatians 5:26 Let us not become egocentric, provoking one another, envying one another.

fruit of the Breath

This is another instance where the Bible uses resurrection metaphor, but it is often missed because we tend to use Spirit for translating πνεῦμα, rather than Breath. What Paul is getting at is that the Galatian Christians were dead in their sins, and the Sacred Breath (Holy Spirit) breathed new life into them. Their old lives achieved the achievements of the flesh (mentioned in yesterday’s text). Their new lives in Christ produce the fruit of the Breath: the character of godliness.

The heretical cult trying to take over the Galatian congregation were pushing for them to become entangled in an achievement based religion. Paul and his team encouraged the Galatians to reject that heresy, and concentrate on keeping in step with the breath that made them alive.

Lord, keep us constantly aware of the new life you breathed into us. May we keep in step with your Breath, and allow him to produce his fruit through us.