Fruits of the Spirit...

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16, ESV)

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, ESV)

We have, living inside us as believers, the power to live to please God. God’s precious Holy Spirit dwells in us and as we submit to the Spirit’s control (obey His word) our spirit grows stronger and we begin to look more and more like Jesus.  I looked up the word walk here and it is translated as a continuous action or a habitual lifestyle.  Walking also implies progress...hence as we submit to the Spirit’s power our flesh shrinks and our spirit is strengthened. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives becomes evident.  John MacArthur defines the fruit of the Spirit this way.  They are

“Godly attitudes that characterize the lives of only those who belong to God by faith in Christ and possess the Spirit of God.”

It is the Spirit that produces the fruit as we abide and cling to the Vine. I love how John MacArthur defines them...

Love - One of several Greek words for love, agape is the love of choice, referring not to an emotional affection, physical attraction, or a familial bond, but to respect, devotion, and affection that leads to willing, self-sacrificial service.  (John 15:13, Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:16-17)

Joy - A happiness based on unchanging divine promises and eternal spiritual realities. It is the sense of well-being experienced by one who knows all is well between himself and the Lord.  (1 Peter 1:8). Joy is not the result of favorable circumstances, and even occurs when those circumstances are the most painful and severe (John 16:20-22). Joy is a gift from God, and as such, believers are not to manufacture it but to delight in the blessing they already possess. (Romans 14:17,Phil 4:4)

Peace - The inner calm that results from confidence in one’s saving relationship with Christ. The verb form denotes binding together and is reflected in the expression “having it all together.” Like joy, peace is not related to one’s circumstances (John 14:27, Romans 8:28, Phil 4:6-7; 9).

patience. The ability to endure injuries inflicted by others and the willingness to accept irritating or painful situations (Eph 4:2, Col 3:12, 1 Tim 1:15-16).

kindness. Tender concern for others, reflected in a desire to treat others gently, just as the Lord treats all believers (Matt 11:28-29; 19:13-14, 2 Tim 2:24)

goodness. Moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness (Romans 5:7). Believers are commanded to exemplify goodness (Gal 6:10; 2 Thess 1:11)

faithfulness. Loyalty and trustworthiness (Lam 3:22; Phil 2:7-9; 1 Thess 5:24; Rev 2:10)

gentleness. Better translated “meekness.” It is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offense, while having no desire for revenge or retribution. In the NT, it is used to describe three attitudes: submission to the will of God (Col 3:12), teachability (James 1:12), and consideration of others (Ephes 4:2).

self-control -  This refers to restraining passions and appetites (1 Cor 9:25; 2 Peter 1:5-6)

When a Christian walks by the Spirit and manifests his fruit, he needs no external law to produce the attitudes and behavior that please God (Romans 8:4).

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:14, ESV)