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Galatians 5.16-end

"Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God

"By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another."

The Church of England has appointed readings for each day of the year; this passage from Galatians is one of the selections for today. Take a moment to read the passage -- really read it. Find a word, phrase, or theme that catches your attention and focus on it. Does it comfort you? Startle you? Challenge you? Reassure you? Doesn't matter. Sit with it, pray on it, read it aloud. Let Scripture take a hold of you. You may be surprised by where it (and the Spirit!) lead you.

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