Paul to the Galatians...the fruits of Spiritual union Series: Maintaining this Hope Intimacy...this word has a very up close and personal feel to it. It conveys the idea of closeness, mingled with open vulnerability and complete abandonment to trust. At its core this is what sexual intimacy was designed to be. There are countless studies that contradict the touted benefits of the modern “feminist view” of unattached, wanton & gratuitous sex. Contrary to what one would expect in the modern age, the greatest amount of sexual fulfillment is actually to be found in honest, committed, long term relationships of knowing and trusting. As we finish out chapter 5 in Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia, we see the fruits of the spirit. What is meant by this is NOT the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but the fruits of our union with God produced IN and THROUGH us BY the Holy Spirit. In the end, we cannot escape the deeply intimate truth that this is a very up close and personal gospel. God wants intimacy with us, and He demands proof of that intimacy...namely fruit of our union with Him. Just like the union of marital love eventuates in the fruit of children, so God desires fruit from our union with Him, only that fruit takes the form of radical character change which ultimately results in Christ-likeness. Blessings!