The Daily Office for January 29, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 24
Genesis 18:16-33
Galatians 5:13-25
Mark 8:22-30
Reading (Galatians 5:13-25)
Reflection
So often verse 22 is rendered in the plural as "fruits" rather than "fruit." There is one fruit composed of nine attributes. The first three are in relation to God; the next three are in relation to others; and the last three are in relation to one’s own inner life. The Holy Spirit produces this fruit through the believer who is in a regular and on-going relationship with Christ.
Let's look at the nine attributes:
1. Love: This is a self-denying, self-sacrificing, Christ-like love that is the foundation of all other graces.
2. Joy: This is a deep abiding, inner rejoicing in the Lord.
3. Peace: This is the peace that Christ gives and which the world cannot take away.
4. Patience: This is a patience that endures the ill-will of others and has no thought of revenge.
5. Kindness: This is true gentleness toward all people.
6. Goodness: This is a willingness to do good at all times and to put love into action.
7. Faithfulness: This is an endurance that gives us the desire to keep the promises we've made to God and to remain faithful to Him.
8. Gentleness: This isn't weakness, but controlled strength. It is submission to God and unselfishness to others.
9. Self-control: This is restraint against our sinful impulses.
Against these nine attributes there is no law because nothing forbids the possession and the practice of being virtuous. Discover and enjoy true freedom by vigorously engaging in what God allows and Scripture encourages.
Collect for the Day
Almighty and ever-living God, clothed in majesty, whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple, in substance of our flesh: grant that we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts, by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.