the orchard of grace

What happens when we live God's way?

He brings gifts into our lives,
much the same way that fruit
appears in an orchard;

things like affection for others,
exuberance about life,
serenity.

We develop a willingness to stick with things,
a sense of compassion in the heart,
and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates
things and people.

We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,
not needing to force our way in life,
able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.

Galatians 5:22-23
The Message