Basic Holiness

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22, 23 NIV)

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. (Galatians 5:22, 23 MSG)

Ok... if you skipped over reading the scripture references, go back and read them now. I'll wait...

Did you notice that they were both the same passage but from different translations? I just LOVE how it was translated in The Message! It brings a whole new light to a very familiar passage.

In a world that loves pointing out sin in other people and especially in other groups of people, I loved the part that says, "We develop... a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people." Whatever happened to assuming good about others? Whatever happened to believing that even when things go wrong, the other's intentions were good? Whatever happened to believing that everyone is a child of God?

Remember that saying... "God don't make no junk?" It's true. We are all... every one of us... holy. The word "holy" means "set aside for God's purposes." And aren't each and every one of us set aside for God's purposes? YES! So how can we point our fingers? How can we say THAT person is evil? How can we call what God calls holy, unholy? How dare we? If sin is the basis for calling another unholy, then we are all to be called unholy and again... we call God a liar.

And from the same passage... "...not needing to force our way in life." That takes a huge load off my shoulders! I can just work on being who God intends me to be, directing my energies wisely and my fruitful holiness will work itself from the inside, out. Awesome!

Father,
Thank you for all the different translations and paraphrasings of your Word that give us new insight. Keep us curious and active in our spiritual study. Amen.

Joys: Wonderful surprises that ofen come from "The Message"; a good hike yesterday; sunshine