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 [….] [The] fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

- Galatians 5:16-18; 22-23 (NRSV)

It is particularly the emboldened words in the passage above upon which our school values of love, community and integrity are based. The Fruits of the Spirit are evidenced in community and, therefore, the author of the letter to the Galatian people, assumes community as a value. Love is that greatest value (1 Corinthians 13), which underpins all. The message of the author of the Galatians passage is to the effect that the Fruits of the Spirit will emanate from being led by God’s Spirit. This is integrity: the Fruits of the Spirit are consistent with the character of the person filled with God’s Spirit.

Revd Claudia Coustas
Chaplain