Devotional of the week: Law and spirit (9 in Fruit of the Spirit series)

So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. (Romans 7:1–6)

In this passage, Paul continues to describe the new life we should be enjoying in Christ, following from last week’s reading. Just as previously we were bound to sin, so too were we tied to the law. He’s specifically speaking about the law of Moses; the laws written in stone. When we become joined to Christ, we no longer are under the law but are indwelled by the Spirit. Now we’re released from the law to bear fruit for God.

This brings freedom, and with freedom can come the fear that we will get things wrong. For some, this fear can paralyze. But when we rely on God’s Spirit within us, we know that he leads us – perhaps beginning with baby steps. This concept reminds me of the saying, “Pray and then do the next thing.” Yes, we’re fallen people who make mistakes. But we are also redeemed believers in whom Jesus dwells.

Bearing fruit for God occurs when we heed that little nudge inside. You know the one? That thought that pops into our head that we should call a friend, or go visit her when the text she sends sounds desperate. That deep breath we take when we feel ourselves losing control, about to unleash a slew of angry, hateful words. That hymn of praise that bubbles out of us, unbidden.

I love the character of Sarah Smith from Golders Green in CS Lewis’ The Great Divorce. On earth, Sarah was a humble woman, much overlooked. But in heaven she is one of the Great Ones, whose deep love of people and animals brings transformation. She bore fruit daily, though it wasn’t recognized or lauded. But the One who sees all things saw, and knew.

May we too be Great Ones, recognized on earth or not.

Prayer: Father God, help me to discern your nudges of grace, that I might live in obedience and joy while collaborating with you. Amen.