The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

What Is The Fruit of the Spirit?

Faith does not mean lawlessness; it means life by the Holy Spirit. Paul uses "fruit" (singular), not “fruits,” because these qualities come together as one unified result of the Spirit’s presence, not as separate traits we pick and choose. This fruit is evidence of a life surrendered to and transformed by the Holy Spirit, and contrasts the acts of the flesh (hatred, jealousy, anger, etc.).

You can’t force fruit to grow, it is a gradual result of living in relation to Christ. These traits often grow most in hard places. For example, patience develops in trial, and self-control in temptation.

Now Let's Pray

Dear Heavenly Father thank You for washing us clean and renewing our grace and mercy every morning. Thank You for Your presence and availability, give us strength to pursue You daily to deepen our relationship and produce more fruit. While we are not perfect, and never will be, convict us to grow in our faith and reflect the love of Jesus.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.