The Fruit of the Spirit – True Signs of Spirituality.  The fruit of the spirit is one of the most important characteristics every believer should display.  They are the very attributes of Jesus Christ.  This is the nature and personality that defines us and separates us from the world.  Nothing is more important, nothing says more about who we are as the children of God.   Galatians 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such, there is no law.

Love is who God is, and his love has been shed abroad in the heart of every believer.  If we do not walk in God’s love, it is not that we can not do so.  It is that we must surrender and allow the Lord to perfect us in love.  The fruit of the spirit is love.  

The Fruit of the Spirit – Developed by Practice

The gifts of the spirit are given, but the fruit has to be developed through constant pressure and surrender to the Lord.  Let’s look at Hebrews 12:11 – Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.   As we walk this spiritual life, we will go through times of testing.  This is where you find out what you are really made of.  When we stumble or fall and are lovingly corrected by the Father, he says this is good for us.

Let’s look at the powerful statement in 1 Corinthians 13:2.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  1Co 13:2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

The Most Important Fruit of the Spirit is Love

Have you ever know someone who God used in the gifts of the spirit, but have a terrible attitude?  They are not walking in the fruit of love.  If we do not walk in the spirit of love, we grieve the Holy Spirit, because God is love.    1Co 13:2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  That is why it is important to judge a person’s gifts,  but the character of the one operating in the gifts.

God uses us in spiritual gifts when we are open to him, not because we are God’s favorite.  The fruit of the Spirit demonstrates our true character and maturity.  So while seeking after spiritual gifts, which is scriptural seek to walk in the fruit of Love.    Every day it is a challenge to deny the flesh and submit to the Spirit of God, but it can be done as we deny the flesh and feed the Spirit, with prayer, and reading the Word of God.

Even the Apostle Paul Struggled with his Flesh

Paul spoke of this challenge in, Romans 7.  In 7:18-20 Paul states: For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Let Us Move on to Perfection

These are the opportunities given to us to deny the flesh and yield to the will of God.  It is then that we begin to develop the fruit such as love peace, joy, long-suffering, temperance, meekness, faith and the like.  Though there will always be a time when we fail and flesh will win out. 

There is when we accept the grace and forgiveness of God and move forward.  It is during these opportunities of testing that we build our spiritual chops and grown stronger.  It is then when the gifts of the spirit and the fruit of the Spirit begin to come together, that we are in harmony with God’s character, nature, and purpose.    1Corinthians 14:1  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts.