Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Paul lists eight sinful characteristics that are behavioral and six that are emotional with jealousy right in the middle of the bunch. Is that the catalyst, so to speak, that ignites the other fleshly behaviors and emotions?
These are contrasted with nine spiritual characteristics that are both behavioral and emotional that are the fruit of the Spirit. Isn't the Holy Spirit that Great Panacea which heals my sinful nature? Maybe I should seek to allow the Spirit free access to my soul to quench that spirit of jealousy?
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm
Mid-day: 119:
Evening: Psalm
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