Paul contrasts the lives of those enslaved by the Law (i.e those whose lives are led by the flesh), with those who are free (i.e. those whose lives are led by the Spirit). He gives us two lists: notice that the “works of the flesh” are haphazard, as opposed to the list of the “Fruit of the Spirit” which are systematic. Neither list is complete – both, the ‘deeds of the flesh’ and the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ have many more manifestations! While Paul reminds us that the deeds of the flesh obscure God for us, he uses the singular “Fruit” of the Spirit to emphasise that a life led by the Spirit is not fragmented but an integrated whole. The Spirit liberates us and produces different facets of the same holiness in us.

Speaking to the Pharisees, Jesus rebukes them for their hypocrisy. They follow the smallest detail of the Law and in the bargain overlook the basic premise on which the Law is based – Justice & Love of God.

A regular introspection will help us discern whether we are following God’s Law as He intended it for us, or our own narrow understanding of it.