Once we’ve accepted Christ and received the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are no longer controlled by sin. We are led by the Spirit into a life that reflects the Son. If we follow His leading, we develop a deep love toward others, a heart of rejoicing that we are His, a contentment that the world cannot offer or explain, the ability to endure. Compassion and generosity toward others replaces selfishness. We become upright in our moral convictions; we rest confidently in Jesus and act with integrity, humility, and courtesy. We learn to govern our reactions and respond in ways that show we are set apart from the world and its habits. The Spirit helps us grow into greater Christ-likeness. We must choose these changes, though. The Spirit won’t drag us, kicking and screaming, into Christ-likeness. But when we seek Him, He leads us away from the deeds of the flesh and develops within us the fruits of a God-honoring life. And that is where we find our joy, peace, and fulfillment.
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