“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
These verses describe the characteristics that should be displayed more and more in the life of every true follower of Jesus. The Fruit of the Spirit (it’s singular – fruit NOT fruits – a package deal) is the product of God’s Holy Spirit living and working within each Christian. As we pursue Christ and grow in Him, His perfect and holy character: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should increasingly describe us.
While we won’t be perfect this side of heaven, the Christian life should be one of ongoing change, growth, and transformation to become like our Savior. Because this fruit is singular, we shouldn’t just see one or two of these after many years, we should see all of them gradually coming into focus in each Christian’s life. We don’t get to pick and choose just the ones we like. We don’t get to reject the ones we don’t like. We don’t get to declare that certain of these just aren’t going to happen. Not if we’re actual Christians saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus!!!
What does it mean if you believe you’re a Christian, but your character is defined more by hate, dissatisfaction, conflict, impatience, cruelty, sinfulness, untrustworthiness, harshness, or impulsivity? It means you need to get on your knees and pray!!!
A life that doesn’t exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit may reveal you aren’t a Christian at all. You need to immediately consider whether you truly have accepted God’s free gift of salvation by believing and yielding your life to Jesus Christ. Such a life may also mean that you’re a Christian, but you desperately need to get serious about following Jesus. Many believers fall into this category. You may need to truly submit to Christ’s Lordship and devote more time each day and week to worshiping Him, loving Him, studying Him, praying to Him, thinking about Him, spending time with His people, serving Him, and sharing Him.
May the Fruit of the Spirit be yours in growing abundance!