The Fruits Of The Holy Spirit

Christians are exhorted in the Bible to not be conformed to the world. We are told to be the light in a spiritually dark world. The secular, and especially the woke culture, that is contrary to every thing the Bible teaches, must be counteracted, yet in a gentle and compassionate way. How can this be done? If there is ever a time when society needs to see positive traits in the lives of people, it is now.

Several months ago my pastor gave a message on the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I have given much thought to them since that time. They are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Certainly, these are qualities our culture needs to see lived out. What good things could happen in our lives if we focused every day on these fruits? What opportunities might there be to influence and help transform the thinking of others?

Over the next three months I am going to write an article on each of the fruits. I will present what the Bible says about them, and how they can be lived out. If you are like me, these spiritual fruits do not come naturally. They can only come through the enablement of the Holy Spirit. However, one can exercise spiritual discipline by intentionally focusing on them. It is very easy to memorize these nine fruits. Then they can be thought of in the head, or spoken out loud, several times a day. This daily practice will help develop Godly character in response to those around us.

Read through the list again in Galatians 5:22-23. What fruits do you feel you need to give the most attention to? Become a fruit picker. For starters, begin reciting the fruits every day.

Watch for my article on the first fruit: love.