The Fruit of the Spirit is a list of 9 characteristics that is produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who have been born again.
(Galatians 5:22-23) 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.
Bad Fruit
In a warning about false prophets, the Bible says you can recognize them by their fruits. In a continuation of the fruit theme, the Bible says a good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. (Mathew 7:15-17) It has often been said you can tell the kind of tree by the fruit it bears.
Even after a person has received the gift of the Holy Ghost, there remains a constant decision to be made as to whether one is going to walk and follow after the Spirit, or to gratify the desires of the flesh. The Bible says the acts of the flesh are obvious and would certainly be considered bad fruit.
(Galatians 5:19-21) The acts of the flesh are obvious: 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. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The Good Fruit
Let’s take a closer look at these 9 Fruits of the Spirit that are produced by a person who is walking after the Spirit.
Love
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 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.
Joy
What the world considers joy is often based on ones circumstances or situations such as being rich or poor, sick or healthy. (Nehemiah 8:10) says the joy of the Lord is your strength. Joy for a Christian is a gladness and delight that comes from having the Holy Spirit indwelling on the inside. Believers can be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8) regardless of their circumstances.
Peace
The peace of God is a completeness and soundness that surpasses our understanding. It is a peace that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Forbearance (Patience)
It’s a well-known cliché, patience is a virtue. In today’s fast food and microwave society this is one fruit of the Spirit that is much-needed. One of the best definitions for patience is to endure or wait without complaining. A show of hands, how many of us need help with this one? From waiting patiently on God, to being patient with our fellow Saints and sinners alike, this is one of the hardest characteristics for a true Christian to master. Even so, the Bible said God has been patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Kindness
Kindness can be defined as being considerate, generous, respectful, and friendly to others. It is so often the simple acts of kindness that Christians do for others that is never forgotten.
Goodness
For humans goodness means to consistently and purposefully choose right over wrong, good instead of evil. The Greek word for goodness (agathosune) means to have an uprightness of heart and life.
Faithfulness
Faithfulness is defined as being devoted, constant, reliable, and dependable. Many examples of this faithfulness come to mind. The ones who are faithful in showing up to church, cleaning the church, and mowing the church yard are just a few. (Luke 16:10) says one who is faithful in the little things will be faithful in the large ones. A Christian’s faithfulness to God will be rewarded with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Mathew 25:23).
Gentleness (Meekness)
To be kind, tender, mild-mannered. This would include times that may require the correcting and restoring of others. Having the ability to correct someone gently instead of out of anger always gives the situation a better chance to have a favorable outcome.
(Galatians 6:1) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
Self Control (Temperance)
Last but certainly not least of the 9 fruits of the Spirit is self-control. It is the ability to control ones impulses, emotions, and desires. You won’t be a Christian long before you figure out the battle between your flesh and the Spirit is very real. This is when and where the fruit of the Spirit that gives us the ability to control these fleshly desires comes into play.
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