Idolatry (the worship of false gods) was common in Galatia and often included sorcery ("magic arts," see Acts 19:19; compare 1 Samuel 15:23; Revelation 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15). It also often included sexual immorality (compare 1 Corinthians 6:9, 15–20).
Hatred causes people to fight with others, which is the opposite of the Holy Spirit's way of humility and love (Galatians 5:22–23).
Discord means causing arguments and looking for fights, not peacefully defending what is right (1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Timothy 6:4; Titus 3:9). Those who are guided by the Holy Spirit speak what is true with love and try to make peace with others (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:23–26).
Jealousy (in Greek zēlos, meaning "zeal") can mean a positive "passionate commitment" or a negative "intense desire for others' things" (compare James 3:14–16).
Rage (violent and uncontrolled anger) is the opposite of self-control (Galatians 5:23; see, for example, Acts 19:28; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).
Rivalries (or selfishness) oppose Christian love (compare Romans 2:8; Philippians 2:3; James 3:14, 16).
Factions (in Greek haireseis, meaning "heresies, factions, sects") refers to using different beliefs or practices to divide the community (compare 1 Corinthians 11:17–19; 2 Peter 2:1–3).