The Fruit of the Spirit refers to the attributes produced in the lives of Christians through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is important to note that this fruit is not merely a list of independent characteristics but a unified whole. The term ‘fruit’ is derived from a Greek word emphasizing the natural growth and development process seen in physical fruit.
Every believer should display the fruit of the spirit. They are the very attributes of Jesus Christ. This is the nature and personality that defines us and separates us from the world. 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. 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 of the spirit 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: 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 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 (a fruit of the Spirit), I am nothing.
The concept of ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ refers to the attributes produced in the lives of Christians through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is important to note that this fruit is not merely a list of independent characteristics but a unified whole. The term ‘fruit’ is derived from a Greek word emphasizing the natural growth and development process seen in physical fruit.
The most Important Fruit of the Spirit is Love.
Have you ever known someone who God used in the gifts of the spirit but has 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 judging a person’s gifts is essential, but the character of the one operating in the gifts is important.
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 spiritual and scriptural gifts, 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. No more I 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. Then, we develop fruit such as love, peace, joy, long-suffering, temperance, meekness, faith, and the like. However, 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. During these testing opportunities, we build our spiritual chops and grow stronger. When the gifts of the spirit and the fruit of the Spirit begin to come together, we are in harmony with God’s character, nature, and purpose. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts.