The fruit of the spirit refers to nine attributes of a Christian life inspired by the Holy Spirit living within them. These attributes are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are important for living a life that is pleasing to God and are the result of the Holy Spirit's presence in the life of a Christian.
The fruit of the Spirit is presented by the Apostle Paul. Its a letter that Paul wrote to early Christian congregations in the province of Galatia, located in modern-day Turkey, about A.D. 47.
The most strongly worded of his letters in the New Testament was the one to the Galatians. It was a response to the influence of Jewish convert teachers who insisted that in addition to faith in Christ, non-Jewish believers in Galatia (gentiles) must also follow the Jewish law to receive salvation.
Paul was distraught by this influence, which he saw as undermining the very foundation of salvation — that it is God’s gift to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ.
Paul’s writing about the fruit of the Spirit is found in Galatians 5: 22-23. The verses read: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
Why Does the Apostle Paul Write About the Fruit of the Spirit?
Paul presents the nine attributes of a godly life, a life led by the Holy Spirit, as a contrast to the attributes of an ungodly life. He refers to the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit as “acts of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19), or “works of the flesh” as the King James Version bible describes them.
An ungodly life is one controlled by the sinful nature that every human is born with. Paul describes it as follows:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." Galatians 5:19-21
Paul’s purpose in writing Galatians 5 is to encourage his readers that those who “belong to Christ” (verse 24) are no longer slaves to their sin nature. That’s because when a person accepts Christ as Savior, they receive the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome their sin nature and develop the character of Christ. And the character of Christ is marked by the fruit of his Spirit.
Why is the Fruit of the Spirit Also Called Fruits of the Spirit?
Some people refer to the nine Christlike attributes in Galatians 5 in plural form: “fruits” of the Spirit. It is true that each attribute is distinct, but the Scripture refers to them as a united, singular “fruit.” These nine attributes come together in a Christian’s life to reflect a complete picture of the character of Christ.
What is the Meaning of Each Attribute of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit?
LOVE
It is no coincidence that Paul puts “love” first in the fruit of the Spirit. The Greek word for love in this instance is agape. It is the highest form of the different kinds of love expressed by distinct Greek words, including eros (romantic love), philia (friendship love) and storge (familial love).
Agape is the kind of love God has for his creation. It is pure, selfless and self-sacrificing. It seeks the best for others — even enemies — at all times, at all costs. A beautiful description of agape love is found in the Bible verses of 1 Corinthians 13, a well-known passage of Scripture.
God showed his agape love for us in sacrificing his only Son to save us from our sinful nature.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8, NIV
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV).
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter 4:8).
JOY
The joy Paul refers to in Galatians 5 is much deeper than a sense of happiness or gladness from life’s circumstances. It is a profound delight and rejoicing that comes from knowing and serving God.
The Bible describes the importance of this divine joy to the Christian’s life:
The joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10, NIV
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)!
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
PEACE
Peace is an unshakeable inner calm that can be a rare quality in turbulent times.
Christians can call on God’s Holy Spirit to impart a sense of peace when things seem to be spinning out of control.
And the peace that comes from the Spirit is not just a small comfort. Paul describes it as beyond human understanding in one of Scripture’s most reassuring passages:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, NIV
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV).
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
PATIENCE
Also called longsuffering, forbearance has the common synonym “patience.”
Patience can be in short supply in a fast-paced world where everyone wants what they want, when they want it.
But the Holy Spirit has a never-ending supply of patience and longsuffering to flood the Christian’s heart at those times when it is needed most.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2, NIV
“Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7).
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, NKJV).
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
KINDNESS
This fruit of the Spirit is a natural result of love.
When God’s Spirit begins to develop love in the Christian’s heart, treating others with kindness, compassion and forgiveness follows.
In fact, once the foundational fruit of love is flowing through one’s life, not only kindness but also gentleness, forbearance, goodness and other attributes listed in Galatians 5 will naturally follow.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32, NIV
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves” (Proverbs 11:17, NIV).
“Love is patient, love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
GOODNESS
This fruit of the Spirit is an attribute of action. It means living one’s life with good morals and motives as well as doing good things for others.
Producing the fruit of goodness is a true mark of godliness. It also has an attractive power and draws people to Jesus through the Christian’s actions.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10, NIV
“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6).
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom” (James 3:13).
“Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your lovingkindness remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O LORD” (Psalm 25:7).
FAITHFULNESS
Trustworthy, loyal, constant, dependable. The Christian who produces the fruit of faithfulness is all these.
This is an especially important attribute to God. No matter what life brings, he expects his followers to be unwavering in their faithfulness to him as well as to the people in their lives.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12, NIV
“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 28:20).
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
“Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man” (Proverbs 20:6, NKJV)?
GENTELNESS
The way a Christian engages with others is what the fruit of gentleness is all about.
The ability to discern when to use a gentle word or touch is a valuable gift of the Spirit. Especially in tense moments, when unkind words or manners are the typical first response, the Christian who responds with gentleness and meekness is a true reflection of Jesus and the kingdom of God.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1, NIV
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5, NIV).
“...to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men” (Titus 3:2).
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
SELF-CONTROL
Paul concludes his list of fruit of the Spirit with self-control.
Because of the human sin nature, everyone’s personality has negative impulses and qualities. Overcoming them can be a constant tug of war.
But Christians have the power of God’s Holy Spirit in their lives to help them identify and overcome areas of weakness.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus 2:11-12, NIV
“Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit” (Proverbs 25:28).
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city” (Proverbs 16:32).
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer” (1 Peter 4:7).
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How Do You Develop the Fruit of the Spirit?
It is important to note that Paul doesn’t write that the nine attributes of Christ’s character are “the fruit of your own efforts.” These nine attributes are “the fruit of the Spirit.” It is the Spirit alone through God’s grace who accomplishes this task. The moment a person accepts Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in that person’s life. And it is the Spirit’s power that transforms and molds the person into Christ’s likeness.
What does that mean? How, exactly, does the Holy Spirit do this miraculous work in a person’s life?
It doesn’t just “happen.” The believer in Christ has an important role to play in this transformation. In Galatians 5:25, Paul reveals the secret to making sure the Holy Spirit can cultivate the fruit of Christ’s character in one’s life.
It is this: “Keep in step with the Spirit.”
Keeping in step means trusting and following the Spirit’s lead. To discover the Spirit’s leading, the Christian must draw close to God.
How? By spending time in God’s presence and being immersed in prayer and his Word.
How Long Does It Take to Develop the Fruit of the Spirit?
Developing the fruit of the Spirit is a lifelong pursuit and process. There are times when every Christian falls out of step with the Spirit. But the Spirit is faithful and merciful. He lovingly guides his followers back into step. And with each step taken, the Christian, through God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power, changes, grows and produces more of the fruit that reflects Christ!
How Do You Apply the Fruit of the Spirit to Your Life?
The fruit of the Spirit is not meant to be kept. It is meant to be shared! An important way that the Holy Spirit develops the attributes of Christ in the Christian’s life is by leading them to take action on behalf of others.
The fruit of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
