Walk By The Spirit
READ
In our verse today, Paul offers guidance on how we are to live a life of faith — a life that bears the fruit of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23)
Let's read Galatians 5:16-17:
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."
As Paul points out, the flesh is always working against the Spirit, so we are to be active, attentive, and consistent in our faith. Paul says we are to "walk by the Spirit" — step by step, in every moment, in every decision, even in the small and ordinary parts of our lives.
I recently witnessed this kind of faith walk in a stranger I encountered at a local shopping center.
REFLECT
I'll go ahead and confess — I'm a frequent shopper at HomeGoods. Not too long ago, I pulled into the parking lot on a really busy day and found myself driving in circles looking for a spot. It was crowded and congested, and I actually thought about leaving. Did I really need to go to HomeGoods today?
At last, I spotted an open space. I put my blinker on and was just about to pull in when another car quickly approached from the opposite direction. The little lady behind the wheel appeared ready to snag the very spot I was about to claim. I could barely see her face over the steering wheel as we sat there for a moment, staring at each other. Waiting.
Then she raised her hand in the air, pointed at me, and then pointed firmly at the parking spot. She was quick and direct. I hesitated, unsure whether to read her gesture as kindness. After a few seconds, she did it again — pointing at me with a little more emphasis, then back at the spot. I took that as my sign, slowly pulling in front of her while waving and mouthing the words "thank you" through the window.
A few minutes later, as I was getting something out of the back of my car, I saw her walking toward me. I thought I'd take the opportunity to express a little extra gratitude. As she got closer, I said, "Ma'am — I just want to thank you for letting me have that parking spot."
She stopped right in front of me, smiled sweetly, shook her head side to side, and said the words that have stuck with me ever since:
"Honey, as much as I wanted to take it, Christ lives in me and He wouldn't let me do it. That's your spot."
Proudly patting her chest in sweet celebration, she turned and walked away, still smiling. I stood there for a moment, silently admiring the genuine and active faith of this stranger. She was walking by the Spirit. She was living out a truth we all know but can easily forget — our flesh has its desires, but Christ in us changes us. Christ in us claims victory over our selfish nature, even when that victory is as small as giving up a parking spot at HomeGoods.
I think about that lady sometimes. Her words remind me that what was true of her is true of you and me. Christ lives in us, and when we make the daily decision to draw near to Him, our words and actions more accurately reflect His love — not just on Sunday mornings, but all week long. As we pray and spend time in His Word, we begin to sense His presence, discern His voice, and walk not by our own strength, but by His.
When you and I walk by the Spirit, we walk in victory. And just like the lady in the parking lot, we can sweetly celebrate every time we recognize what our selfish nature might want — and choose instead to be governed by love and walk humbly in the power of God's Spirit.
RESPOND
Take a moment to consider what God might be leading you to do in light of what you've read:
Paul says we are to "walk by the Spirit," which means our faith extends beyond Sunday morning. What does "walking by the Spirit" look like for you throughout the week?
What practical steps can you take today to commune with God so that you are "walking by the Spirit" and able to discern His leading? Does your schedule need to be adjusted to create space and time with Him?
Throughout this week, take moments to joyfully declare, "Christ lives in me!" And when someone else needs the reminder, speak it over them too: "Christ lives in you!"
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me to walk by Your Spirit. I long for my life to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help me to trust Your Spirit's leading and take obedient steps with You every day and in every moment — knowing that as I walk with You, the pull of selfish desires fades and my life becomes a clearer, more accurate reflection of You and Your love. Amen.
Port City writer Holly Campbell wrote today’s devotional.