What is the fruit of the Spirit?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Galatians 5:22–23 is one of the most popular passages in the Bible. It lists the "fruit of the Spirit." "Fruit," here, does not mean apples, bananas, or mangos. In fact, despite the long list of attributes, "fruit" doesn't refer to individual items. It refers to a general outcome or result. The result of the Holy Spirit working in a person's life is love, joy, and all the rest. Each piece of spiritual fruit works in concurrence with the others. The second thing to note is that these are the results of the Holy Spirit. They are not the product of hard work or self-improvement. The fruit of the Spirit has nothing directly to do with any exertion a believer can make, it is the natural result of God’s Spirit working in our lives. We make choices that affect the Spirit’s work. We can either be filled with the Spirit, or we can quench and hinder His work and bear little fruit.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The specific phrase “fruit of the Spirit” and the detailed list of the Spirit’s fruit appear only in the New Testament (see Galatians 5:22-23). However, the Old Testament does speak about the work and evidence of God’s Spirit in a person’s life, which can be seen as foundational to the New Testament concept. For example, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord are described as the Spirit’s gifts or qualities (Isaiah 11:2-3).
• The Spirit produces righteousness, justice, peace, faithfulness, kindness, and truth (Psalm 85:10; Proverbs 3:3–4).
• The Spirit empowers people to live in obedience, produce good character, and bear righteous actions (Ezekiel 36:27; Joel 2:28–29).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Philippians 2:13 says, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." God works to transform our lives into His likeness (Romans 8:28–30; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
• Hebrews 13:20–21 says, "Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do his will." God accomplishes this as the Holy Spirit indwells believers, changing their character (Philippians 1:6) and manifesting good "fruit."
• Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit we bear by His Spirit.
• Love - agape: Agape love is not a sentimental, sweet, affectionate emotion. It is a choice to put others first and to sacrifice ourselves on their behalf (John 15:13). This kind of love can only come through God's power.
• Joy - chara: Joy is not happiness; that is, it does not depend on "happenstance." It is independent of our worldly situation. In Philippians 2:1–4, Paul associates complete joy with fellowship and peace in the body of Christ. True joy is the result of a right relationship with God.
• Peace - eirene: Peace means everything good within relationships: harmony, friendliness, safety, order, rest, and contentment. First Corinthians 3:3 asserts that the opposite—strife—is from the flesh.
• Patience - makrothumia: Patience here does not refer to keeping your temper or waiting out an inconvenience. It actually means longsuffering, forbearance, steadfastness, or slowness in avenging wrongs, particularly in the face of persecution or hardships. It brings to mind 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 and Jesus' silence while He was being whipped and beaten (Isaiah 53:7).
• Kindness - chrestotes: The Bible never tells us to be "nice." "Niceness" often comes from a fear of what others will think or do. "Kindness" is much harder. It encompasses the moral goodness and integrity required to know the right course of action with the strength to choose it.
• Goodness - agathosune: Goodness is uprightness and kindness. It is able to do the right thing even if it's hard, even if it hurts someone. "Good" in the New Testament is nearly always associated with God (James 1:17).
• Faithfulness - pistis: Faithfulness in this verse does not mean loyalty or dependability. It means belief in God, acknowledgement of His Word, surrender to Him, and the actions that naturally result from that surrender (Hebrews 11:1). When we possess the Spirit's fruit of faithfulness, we are full of faith/trust in God.
• Gentleness - prautes: This word doesn't have a true English translation, although "meekness" is often used. It does not refer to actions or attitudes toward others but to the spiritual condition of submission toward God. It means to accept His correction without disputing or resisting. Much like kindness, gentleness comes from a position of strength. It is submission and grace without concern for one's own rights (Philippians 2:5–7).
• Self-control - egkrateia: Self-control can also only be manifested through strength. The root word implies a robust power, mastery, and restraining. Paul's teaching concerning self-control actually scared Felix, the governor he confronted in Acts 24 (see verse 25).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The most important concept regarding the fruit of the Spirit is that it is the Spirit's fruit. We are often admonished to be more loving, to have joy, or to be kind, but we cannot do so without the power of the Holy Spirit in us. It is the Holy Spirit who gives love (1 John 4:7), joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6), peace (Romans 8:6), patience (Colossians 1:11), kindness (2 Peter 1:1–9), goodness (2 Thessalonians 1:11), faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), gentleness (2 Corinthians 10:1), and self-control (2 Peter 1:6). Still, we do have a part. Our attitude and our actions affect how the Holy Spirit works in us. We can quench His power (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and influence; we can grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30); or we can share in the work of sanctification (1 Peter 1:15; Hebrews 12:14). The "fruit" of the Holy Spirit is directed and powered by God. As we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit bears fruit in us (John 15:1–17).

Practically speaking, this means that spiritual growth is not about mere self-improvement but about yielding to the Holy Spirit. We cannot manufacture true love, joy, or patience on our own—these qualities grow as we stay connected to Christ. Abiding looks like trusting in God and relying on His power. Practically it looks like daily surrender, seeking God in prayer and Scripture, and being attentive to the Spirit’s leading. When we resist Him through sin or neglect, we hinder His work in us. But when we align our attitudes and actions with His will, He transforms us from within. Abiding in Christ is not passive; it is an active dependence on His power to produce lasting spiritual fruit in our lives.

UNDERSTAND

• The fruit of the Spirit comes from the Holy Spirit, not human effort.
• Our choices can encourage or hinder the Spirit’s work in us.
• Abiding in Christ produces true spiritual growth in believers’ lives.

REFLECT

• How have you seen the fruit of the Spirit growing in your life? Where do you sense a need for deeper growth?
• What choices or habits in your life might be helping or hindering the Spirit’s work in producing His fruit?
• How can you actively abide in Christ to encourage spiritual growth?

ENGAGE

• Why is it important to recognize that the fruit of the Spirit is produced by the Holy Spirit rather than by human effort?
• How can we encourage other believers to walk in the Spirit and bear fruit?
• How can we determine if we are growing in the fruit of the Spirit?