How can we avoid "hatred, discord, jealousy" in our daily interactions? Setting the Scene The letter to the Galatians contrasts the “works of the flesh” with the “fruit of the Spirit.” Paul names hatred, discord, and jealousy as destructive forces that must never find a home in believers’ lives. The Warning of Galatians 5:20 “idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions” (Galatians 5:20) • These attitudes spring from the flesh, not from the new life Christ gives. • They fracture fellowship, drain joy, and dishonor Christ’s name. • Scripture presents them as sins to forsake, not merely feelings to manage. The Spirit’s Alternative “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) • Love displaces hatred. • Peace counters discord. • Patience and kindness suffocate jealousy. The Spirit produces these qualities as we submit to Him moment by moment. Practical Daily Choices • Begin each day in the Word, inviting the Spirit to rule thoughts and reactions. • Speak blessings instead of complaints; praise silences discord. • Celebrate others’ successes—write a note, send a text, offer sincere applause—to choke jealousy before it sprouts. • Step away from heated conversations until calm replaces anger. • Refuse gossip; redirect talk toward what builds up. • Keep short accounts: confess sin quickly, extend forgiveness immediately. • Serve someone unnoticed—humble service strengthens love and weakens envy. Strength from the Whole Counsel of Scripture • “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.” (Proverbs 10:12) • “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) • “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.” (James 3:16-17) • “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30) • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) • “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5) Closing Encouragement When the flesh pushes toward hatred, discord, or jealousy, the indwelling Spirit offers power to choose differently. Lean on His strength, anchor every thought to Scripture, and watch the fruit of the Spirit crowd out every work of the flesh. |
    |