What is the fruit of the Spirit?

Beloved, in the book of Galatians the fruit of the Spirit is set in sharp contrast to the works of the flesh. Our goal as Christians is to walk in the Spirit, and not to walk in the flesh. I entreat you to patiently read through this short article to get a deeper understanding of the meaning of the fruit of the Spirit.

The Works of the Flesh 

Galatians 5: 19-21

"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God".

In our unregenerate state, our lives were characterized by the works of the flesh. We walked in them without any feeling of remorse or guilt, it was our lifestyle. We were destitute of the Holy Spirit, so we couldn't walk in the Spirit. The passage forewarns that those who practices such works will not inherit God's kingdom, it will be shut against them.

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit 

Paul wrote by the Spirit saying: 

Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law". 

But having been made new creatures or a new creation, we now have the Spirit of God permanently living inside of us ( 2 Corinthians 5; 17, Colossians 1; 27, Romans 8; 9). 

The Greek word for "fruit" in Galatians 5; 22 is the word, "Karpos" and it is used in the singular form. Although, the apostle lists nine distinct virtues, yet they are one collectively, they are one as a whole. These Christian qualities of which the Holy Spirit is the source must be more and more evident in our lives. Our responsibility is to lean on the Holy Spirit, and he will work in and through us, for that is the way we can make progress in our sanctification.

Examination of the fruit of the Spirit 

Let us look at the nine distinct virtues or fruit of the Holy Spirit in few words.

Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law". 

Love- The Holy Spirit empowers us to love others sacrificially and unconditionally. We can extend the love of Christ towards others, because of the enablement by the Spirit of God.

Joy- Joy is different from happiness. Joy is seated deep in our hearts, because of the fact that we are saved by grace through faith in the Man Jesus Christ and are united to God through him. By reason of our relationship with God, we have this inward joy. The Holy Spirit produces this joy in us which last for a lifetime.

Peace- Peace is an important fruit of the Spirit which every born again child of God has. We have peace of mind, because we are at rest knowing that we reconciled with our maker. There is no fear of the wrath of God, for Jesus Christ stood as our substitute and that is enough to give us tranquility of mind and heart.

Patience- Being able to keep our composure and endure certain things in itself is part of the workings of the Holy Spirit. Our ability also to wait on God's perfect timing for us is also a fruit of the Spirit.

Kindness-- Having a kind disposition towards others is a fruit which the holy Spirit produces in us.

Goodness--The quality of being morally benevolent towards others, seeking their interest and well being is something we cannot do on our own, save by the Holy Spirit.

Faithfulness- The ability to remain faithful and true to God and his promises concerning our lives, irrespective of the vagaries of life is a virtue which the holy Spirit can enable us to do.

Gentleness- An excellent author wrote down this; " It is not about being soft or timid, but having great strength while maintaining a gentle, humble disposition". This can only be by the workings of the holy Spirit in our lives

Self control--How can we exercise this virtue without the Spirit? It is He who helps us to remain calm and to control our thoughts, emotions and desires, even in the midst of temptations and trials. 

Brethren, if these fruit of the Spirit are more and more evident in our lives, then it means we are walking in the Spirit. It should be our topmost priority to rely solely on the Holy Spirit, and his fruit will be seen practically in our lives. God bless you 

A thought to ponder 🤔 

Our responsibility is to lean on the Holy Spirit, and he will work in and through us, for that is the way we can make progress in our sanctification

We defend and exposit the truth of the gospel

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