As followers of Christ, it is easy to project an image to those around us that we do not struggle with sin. But God knows better! The war between good and evil that began thousands of years ago continues today within the believers hearts. Even though we are redeemed and will one day reign with Christ, we experience the daily struggle between obedience and disobedience. In Galatians 5:16-25, Paul lists the kinds of attitudes and behaviors that characterize our fallen nature. But, He also lists those Godly qualities that reflect Christ’s own character that are pleasing to God. The challenge of the Christian life is to yield our hearts to the control and direction of the Holy Spirit, so we can bear fruits that are honoring to God and beneficial to those around us. Christ followers are commissioned to claim the benefits of living by the power of the Holy Spirit. As God’s seed of truth flourish in our hearts, the spirit produces an increase in our ability to express “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Once we surrender our lives to Jesus, we no longer have to be controlled by our self-centered inclinations. Over time, the Holy Spirit can change our thinking, our attitudes and our actions. As we grow and mature in Christ we can have the added joy for loving our neighbors by sharing the benefits of His generous harvest. The fruit of the Spirit changes us so we can impact the lives of those around us. — John 15:16