Fruit of the Spirit
St Paul’s letter to the Galatians gives an insight
into the heart and mind of someone who has experience a radical change.
Paul’s life, like most Jews of his day, was strictly regulated with very clear do’s and don’ts.
The Law, the Torah, beloved of the psalmist as ‘sweeter than honey from the comb’,
had developed into an all-pervading noose.
You can feel the intensity of Paul’s joy at the freedom offered by the Fruits of the Spirit.
And not just joy but a tumbling out of GIFTS.
Christians are free to become filled to the brim with these gifts and so change the world.
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. Galatians 5: 22-23
In the diocese of Christ the King in South Africa,
rapid urbanisation has resulted in significant growth in parishes.
Just over half of these churches have a recognisable church building in which to worship.
The rest meet in garages, shacks or the open air.
One of the latest new congregations worships in French and aims to welcome
refugees from the Congo and other Francophone African countries.
May this new diocese implant the Spirit’s joy and freedom.