Good vs. Evil

I just wanted to share a passage from Galatians where "fruits", if you will, are contrasted. Hopefully most Christians you have come across clearly bring forth fruits of the spirit, rather than the rotten fruits of the sinful nature. This is not to say that Christians don't ever struggle with sin or are never lacking in one or more of the fruits of the spirit (against such things there is no law! Amen!), but it is through the fruits of the spirit that those of us who are Christians show the world that we are Christians.
All of the traits listed in the passage below as fruits of the spirit are important, but LOVE is listed first for a reason. The world will know we are Christians by our LOVE. LOVE is the reason that Christ died on the cross for us. We should show His LOVE to others- believers, non-believers, the rich, the poor, Democrats, Republicans, and even Red Sox fans... Sadly, too many people I've met, notably during my time at Wesleyan, think that Christians are not loving, but hateful- hating homosexuals, liberals, non-believers, science, whatever... I pray that more of these people discover groups of Christians (like the Wesleyan Christian Fellowship- not affiliated with Wesleyan doctrine) that shatter their negative views of Christians through demonstrating Christ's love. And I apologize for any who call themselves Christians who perpetuate the negative stereotypes by their hateful actions and words.

Galatians 5:16-26

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.