IV.
In contrasting the freedom that comes as we “live by the Spirit” and experience “the fruit of the Spirit” Paul admonishes us not to “bite and devour one another.”

In reflecting on Paul’s cautions to us, notice how he draws out what it is to “bite and devour one another.”

V.
Galatians 5:13-26 (NRSVue)

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

VI.
In these several sentences Paul gives us a couple of lists. First, he lists what he calls “obvious” “works of the flesh,” and then lists what he regards as “the fruit of the Spirit.”

In looking at both of these lists, what do you notice that might be at the bottom of the biting and devouring he warns against.

How does “conceit” and “envy” work its way into our communities of faith?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}