The Apostle Paul presents nine attributes of a godly life: the fruit of the Spirit. These are evidence of a life led by the Holy Spirit. His purpose is to encourage those who belong to Christ to no longer be slaves to their sinful nature. When a person chooses to follow Christ, they receive the Holy Spirit, and desire to develop the character of Christ. The character of Christ is manifested by the fruit of his Spirit.

Because of God’s desire for us to be like Jesus, the Holy Spirit constantly works in our life to display his fruit. The presence of the fruit of the Spirit is evidence that our character is becoming more like the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit’s power gives us the strength to reject our sinful desires, and through God’s grace, we change, grow, and produce more of the fruit that reflects Christ in us.

Praise

Praise God, the fruit of the Spirit is the natural result of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).

Examine the Scriptures

How do we bear the fruit of the Spirit?

Through the Bible, the Word of God. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16, ESV).

Can we develop the character of Jesus on our own?

Only by following the Holy Spirit’s leading and remaining in Christ can we be shaped to be fruitful like him. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV).

How long does it take to develop a character like Christ’s?

Developing a Christ-like character by following the Holy Spirit is a lifelong pursuit and process. ^“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15, ESV).

How do we know if we are bearing fruit?

When our minds and hearts are fixed on Jesus, we will bear fruit. “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16-20, ESV).

Pray

Father God,

I praise you because you are holy, holy, holy. I thank you for dwelling in my heart and for your written Word to guide me in my walk with Jesus. I pray the power of your Spirit leads me to conform into the image of Christ. May I be reminded of the fruit of your Spirit when I walk out of step with my Savior, gently leading me back, as is your desire for my life.

In Christ’s name,

Amen.