“The Fruit of the Spirit Is…”
Galatians 5:22, 23
The Fruit of the Spirit is not for us but for others to enjoy. We are to be the Trees of Righteousness that God has called us to be (Isaiah 61:1-3). When our families, neighbors, coworkers, and others need love, peace, gentleness, and other essential qualities, Jesus Christ provides a way for us to nourish them. So, what is the fruit, and how are we supposed to give it to others?
The Fruit of the Spirit Is Love.
Joy is love singing; Peace is love at rest; Long-suffering is love waiting; Gentleness is love's touch; Goodness is love's nature; Faith is love's habit; Meekness is love's humility; Temperance is love holding the reins.
- Anonymous -
Love - Agape means affection, a love feast, and acting in a manner befitting love. God's Word informs us, "We know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Ghost to fill our hearts with love" (Romans 5:5, NLT). Because we love Jesus Christ, we can’t help but love others as He does.
JOY – “Chairo,” a singular hallmark of the Holy Ghost indwelling, signifies cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness, and an exceedingly joyful state. The joy of the Holy Ghost is not dependent on external factors, such as gifts, family events, financial gains, tragedies, or anxiety.
In Romans 14:17, the Apostle Paul lists three attributes of God's kingdom, all found in the Holy Ghost: Righteousness, characterized by equity, innocence, and holiness. Peace is the state of unity, prosperity, quietness, and rest. Joy. The love of God inspires us to be right with Him and others, providing us with peace and joy as we serve Him.
The world sings about its sinful activities, but the redeemed sing praise to God. So, if you’re a happy Christian, sing about it with a joyful smile {Ephesians 5:18-20}.
PEACE - “Eirene,” meaning to have a restful mind regardless of life's circumstances and alignment with God's Spirit. During life's challenges, social upheaval, and anxiety, Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace." In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world"{John 16:33}.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the saints of God to "Let Christ's peace control you. God has called you into this peace by bringing you into one body. Be thankful” {Colossians 3:15, GW}. Notice that we must “let” God’s peace control us with thankful hearts. Why? So that we can share the fruit with others.
LONG-SUFFERING – “Makrothymia” refers to the ability to forgo immediate gratification, exercise fortitude, patience, temperance, and be lenient. Someone said that long-suffering is suffering for a long time.
Some people suffer and complain constantly. Others suffer but remain cheerful and encouraging.
The Apostle Peter wrote that Jesus is "Long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" {2 Peter 3:9}. Jesus has been patient with us; shouldn’t we give the same fruit to others? That’s why we are to walk "With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love" {Ephesians 4:2}.
GENTLENESS - “Epios,” which means pleasant, mild, appropriate, and kind. The unthankful, offensive, and sinful are cruel and spiteful. But Christians “Must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone {Titus 3:2, NLT}. Regardless of the problem, we need God's wisdom to respond appropriately rather than react impulsively {James 3:17}.
GOODNESS - “Agathosyne” means to possess virtue and to act virtuously. Virtue refers to upholding a high moral standard. Christians should be recognized as honest, hardworking, and virtuous individuals.
We might have been liars, drunkards, thieves, sexually impure, controlled by anger, and full of anxiety, but we are no longer. As the Bible states, “Such were some of you: but you are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” {1 Corinthians 6:11}.
We have the Holy Ghost! As the fruit of God’s goodness grows through us, others can “Taste and see that the Lord is good” {Psalm 34:6}.
FAITH - “Pistis” means having persuasion, moral conviction, assurance, belief, assent to evidence or authority, obedience, and yield. Genuine faith exhibits loyal obedience to God's word and Spirit – regardless of the outcome. Therefore, James wrote, "Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" {James 2:17}.
Our actions or works reveal if we truly have faith. Faith is humbly submitting oneself to God’s Word and Spirit. The faithful – those full of faith - regularly pray, study, fast, tithe, witness, and attend church.
Many people are more faithful to their sports teams, games, hobbies, jobs, and families than to Godly things and practices. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” {Matthew 6:33}.
That is why the Holy Ghost is the core of the fruit of faith! As Jude wrote, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost" {Jude 1:20}. Our faith ripens through faithful Holy Ghost-inspired prayer, and a fruitful harvest is available.
MEEKNESS - “Praotes” means to have gentle humility. Meekness is not weakness but knowing where our strength comes from.
As Paul wrote, "Brethren, if some sin overcomes another believer, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself" {Galatians 6:1, NLT}.
The humbly meek are merciful, never excusing or participating in sin. They are not better than anyone, but they desire to see sinners set free and struggling saints restored in the Lord Jesus. Knowing that “All things are possible to him that believes” {Mark 9:23}.
TEMPERANCE - “Enkrateia” means exercising self-control in diet and moral purity and being masterful or strong in something. The daily practice of self-control leads to victory over evil thoughts and actions. If we sincerely love God, we know that conviction and joy come from communion with His Spirit and hearing the Word of God preached.
We were once in bondage, "But now being made free from sin, and become servants of God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" {Romans 6:22}.
The Spirit’s Fruit looks good on you – share it with everyone you meet!
