# Pentecost Sunday: Living by the Fruit of the Spirit
*2015-05-21*

> Bill Young reflects on Galatians 5:22‑26 for Pentecost, urging listeners to let the Holy Spirit shape their lives and to surrender fully to God.

## Reading the Scripture

Good morning. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer and Lunch podcast. Today is Pentecost Sunday, and we read from Scripture: Galatians 5:22‑26 (Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition). “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self‑control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

## What the Fruit of the Spirit Means

If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. We must not become conceited, competitive, or envious toward one another. The attributes listed are those of a well‑integrated person—someone consistent in belief, open to God’s guidance, and able to experience the freedom that comes from surrendering all to Him.

## A Recent Call to Conversion

Ninety days ago we were called to turn away from sin. In the fire of that conversion we see the fruits of the Spirit—love, forgiveness, and the hope of resurrection—begin to grow in our lives.

## The Power of the Cross and Resurrection

The forgiveness of God, the compassion of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit lead us out of darkness into light. By the Cross and Resurrection, Christ has set us free. Hallelujah.

*When we surrender to the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit transforms us into the freedom and love Christ intends.*