"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." — Galatians 5:22-23
When we trust in Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us and begins transforming our character. The "fruit of the Spirit" describes the qualities He produces in us.
Fruit, Not Fruits
Notice Paul says "fruit" (singular), not "fruits." These nine qualities form a unified whole—the character of Christ reproduced in us. We don't pick and choose; the Spirit develops all of them together.
The Nine Qualities
Love (Agape)
Self-sacrificing love that seeks the good of others, regardless of how they treat us. This is the foundation of all other fruit.
Joy (Chara)
Deep gladness rooted in God's character and promises, independent of circumstances. This isn't happiness but something deeper.
Peace (Eirene)
Inner tranquility and harmony with God and others. The Spirit gives peace that passes understanding.
Longsuffering (Makrothumia)
Patience with difficult people and situations. The ability to endure without retaliating.
Gentleness (Chrestotes)
Kindness in action—treating others with warmth and generosity.
Goodness (Agathosune)
Moral excellence that actively does what is right and beneficial.
Faith (Pistis)
Faithfulness and reliability. Being someone others can trust and depend upon.
Meekness (Prautes)
Strength under control. Humble power that doesn't demand its own way.
Temperance (Egkrateia)
Self-control over desires, impulses, and passions.
Cultivating the Fruit
The fruit of the Spirit is produced by the Spirit, not by our efforts alone. However, we cooperate with His work by:
- Abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5)
- Walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
- Setting our minds on spiritual things (Romans 8:5)
- Putting to death the flesh (Colossians 3:5)
- Being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
Fruit vs. Works of the Flesh
Galatians 5:19-21 lists the "works of the flesh"—the opposite of spiritual fruit. The contrast is stark. We must choose daily which nature to feed.
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." — Galatians 5:16