There is a single word introducing Galatians 5:22 that must be considered today. For emphasis, at least.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith ….” Paul wrote this a little over two thousand years ago.

And, Preacher, that (introductory) word is?

“But,” which is just a small conjunction! (A “linking” word, a part of speech.)

In English it is sometimes called a “contrasting” conjunction, joining two antithetical (opposing) thoughts or sentences or paragraphs.

“BUT … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.”

Wow!

In Greek this “but” is the word “de,” which means “on the other hand” or “to the contrary.” Or perhaps “rather.” 

All that degradation (the past three weeks of lessons), all those horrible 17 sins “of the flesh!” No good for the Believer in Jesus! To be abhorred!

BUT … there is an alternative!

Here’s that “but” used elsewhere, further illustrating Paul’s point today. “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, BUT alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11, praise the Lord!

And that alternative is?

God the Holy Spirit!

And His Essence in our lives!

There is an expression in one of the Romance languages (French, I think) which proclaims “Viva le difference!” It translates like this: “Long live the difference!”

I’d like to use that today.

The filth of the flesh … defeated!

The Fruit of the Spirit … inherent in every saint of God, if nurtured and developed and lived!

Viva le difference!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Hallelujah!