The Fruit of the Spirit…

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.—Galatians 5:22, 23 

I so want the fruit of the Spirit displayed in my life, but no matter how much I might want it, I am helpless to produce it, because it is not mine to produce. There is no law against this kind of character, but no law can force me to have it and no law can manufacture it. Only the ministry of the Spirit of God within me can produce it as I walk surrendered to my God’s perfect will for my life.

Beloved…the Bible tells me, as a believer in Jesus, that when the Spirit of God is in complete control of my life this is what my life will look like. Read the verses prior to 22-23:

But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do. But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.—Galatians 5:16-21

Verse 16 tells us we do not have to display the works of the flesh.  We can now, as believers, display these 9 spiritual graces.  John Walvoord in his Bible Knowledge Commentary tells us that the word “fruit” is singular, indicating that these qualities constitute a unity, all of which should be found in a believer who lives under the control of the Spirit. He goes on to say that in an ultimate sense this “fruit” is simply the life of Christ lived out in a Christian. He cites these verses to point out the method whereby Christ is formed in a believer.(cf. 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:21).

And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.—2 Corinthians 3:18

For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity].—Philippians 1:21

If we are walking in the Spirit then there will be the following nine beautiful graces adorning our lives. 

Agape love - This is the love of Christ…it is the intentional, deliberate love of self-sacrifice.  This one is foundational and all the other graces flow from this one. 

Joy - Joy (chara) is a deep and abiding inner rejoicing which was promised to those who abide in Christ (cf. John 15:11). It does not depend on circumstances because it rests in God’s sovereign control of all things (cf. Rom. 8:28)—Walvoord

Peace - Peace (eirēnē) is again a gift of Christ (cf. John 14:27). It is an inner repose and quietness, even in the face of adverse circumstances; it defies human understanding (cf. Phil. 4:7).—Walvoord

Walvoord tells us that these first three are habits of the mind which find their source in God.  The next three, he says reaches out to others fortified by love, joy and peace. 

Patience - Patience (makrothymia) is the quality of forbearance under provocation (cf. 2 Cor. 6:6; Col. 1:11; 3:12). It entertains no thoughts of retaliation even when wrongfully treated.—Walvoord

Kindness - Kindness (chrēstotēs) is benevolence in action such as God demonstrated toward men. Since God is kind toward sinners (cf. Rom. 2:4; Eph. 2:7) a Christian should display the same virtue (cf. 2 Cor. 6:6; Col. 3:12). —Walvoord

Goodness - Goodness (agathōsynē) may be thought of both as an uprightness of soul and as an action reaching out to others to do good even when it is not deserved. —Walvoord

The final three graces, Walvoord says guide the general conduct of a believer who is led by the Spirit. 

Faithfulness - Faithfulness (pistis) is the quality which renders a person trustworthy or reliable, like the faithful servant in Luke 16:10-12. —Walvoord

Gentleness - Gentleness (prautēs) marks a person who is submissive to God’s Word (cf. James 1:21) and who is considerate of others when discipline is needed (cf. “gently” in Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:25; “gentle” in 1 Cor. 4:21; Eph. 4:2; “gentleness” in Col. 3:12; 1 Peter 3:16). —Walvoord

Self-Control - Self-control (enkrateia; this noun is used in the NT only here and in Acts 24:25; 2 Peter 1:6) denotes self-mastery and no doubt primarily relates to curbing the fleshly impulses just described. Such a quality is impossible to attain apart from the power of God’s Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:16) —Walvoord

Ending with a song that these verses bring to mind:

Shepherd of my soul I give you full control,

Wherever You may lead I will foll-ow.

I have made the choice to listen for Your vo-vo-ice,

Wherever You may lead I will go.

Be it in a quiet pasture or by a gentle stream,

The Shepherd of my soul is by my side.

Should I face a mighty mountain or a valley dark and deep,

The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.

Shepherd of my soul Oh You have made me whole,

Where’er I hear You call how my tea-ars flow.

How I feel your love how I want to se-rve

I gladly give my heart to You O – Lord.

Be it in the flowing river or in the quiet night,

The Shepherd of my soul is by my side.

Should I face the stormy weather or the dangers of this world.

The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.