16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

17 For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;

20 idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions,

21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.

— Galatians 5:16-25

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Galatians 5:18 reinforces this important point by saying, “but if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” We do not grow spiritually by checking off a work list stemming from the commands of the Law. By walking in a relationship with Christ and being led by the Spirit, we grow and flourish spiritually. Our major misunderstanding that we can use the Law as our Christian playbook suffocates the growth of the divine life in us.

The Law was not given to be a handbook for Christian living. God gave His Spirit to lead believers in Christ to Himself. Christians are not guided by the two stone tablets of the 10 Commandments, but guided by a close following and a living relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Law’s role is not to outline Christian life in Christ but is to drive us to Christ. And once we are in Him, we are led by something stronger and more personal — God’s Spirit.