We could not talk about a Spirit-filled life without talking about the Fruit of the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is not apples, oranges, watermelon, bananas and the like. The Fruit of the Spirit is what is produced in you and through you as a result of the Holy Spirit living in you. It is the natural by-product of God’s presence in your life.
Galatians 5:22–23 describe the Fruit of the Spirit:
“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)
To better understand the Fruit of the Spirit I have discovered an invaluable exercise is to write a definition for each of the fruit. Before you go any further, take out a pen & paper or start a new note on your computer or phone. Write a definition for each fruit. After you have written a definition, come up with a word or two that serve as an antonym to each fruit.
This is my list together with the antonyms:
Love
It is unconditional love that expects nothing in return. It is not based on emotion. It is an unwavering commitment toward the welfare of others. Opposite: Self-serving
Joy
It goes beyond happiness. Even in the midst of difficult circumstances when I may not be happy, I have joy. Opposite: Discontent
Peace
This is living with contentment in a world that is never satisfied. It is not that the storms of life cease, but that I find shelter from the storms through my relationship with Jesus. Opposite: Anxiety-filled
Patience
It is long-suffering. It is enduring. It is willing to wait. In a world of instant gratification, patience is rare. Opposite: impatient and high-strung
Kindness
It is compassion. It is care. It is generosity. It is the willingness to go out of my way for others and to be inconvenienced. Opposite: Privileged and elitist
Goodness
This is integrity. This is the courage to do the right thing even though it is the hard thing. It is to speak the truth in love even though I may be reviled for it. Opposite: Dishonest and deceitful
Faithfulness
This is having a stick-to-it-ness. This is a person who is true to their promises. They say what they mean and mean what they say. You can rely on them. Opposite: Unreliable
Gentleness
It is quick to listen and slow to speak. But when this person speaks, people listen. It is to put the desire for wisdom and understanding before the desire to be heard. Opposite: Overbearing, arrogant, divisive, melodramatic
Self-Control
I don’t know if I like any word that starts with “self.” Maybe a better word would be surrendered. Self-controlled is about being God-controlled. Opposite: Undiscerning and undisciplined
How is your list different from mine? How is it similar? Share in the comments below.
Questions for Reflection
- How are the Fruit of the Spirit evident in your life?
- What fruit do you feel are lacking?
- Make a list of the Fruit of the Spirit and write your definition for each.
- Share your comments.
Sheila says
Even though there are 9 components to the Fruit of the Spirit, the word “Fruit” is not plural. How do you explain this? I think if we strive for this, we must strive for all 9. If we think we can only do a few, we are missing the point.
Debbie says
The way I understand this verse is the Fruit of the Spirit is love which in turn produces the others. When we love God, we have joy, peace self-control, etc. And these things reflect in how we love others.
Sheila says
I agree Debbie. If we are a reflection of Gods love in the world, the others will be present. Thanks
lorraine says
Because there is one Spirit. Holy Spirit
Veronica says
Not bad. But I would emphasize that gentleness is strength under control. It’s choosing to be restrained when you can be harsh.
Joshua says
Even how long ago this was, it is still good to meditate on it, as I’m doing a daily on the fruits. An answer may just be that, as mentioned, if one was to truly love God, then all the fruits would be displayed in harmonious unison. Simply, one cannot display all but one, or it would not be the fruit. They all act as one and not apart from one another. It would be impossible to be impatient and gentle. Another, joyful and impulsive, for that would mean they were discontent, and therefore not in God’s joyfulness. I hope this makes sense and I apologize if it does not, I would be glad to simplify further.
Wilma says
I think if you don’t have love, you are not able to show any of the fruit , it is fruit one fruit , and it takes love to branches out all of the fruits