The Apostle Paul introduced the fruit of the Spirit to the Church in Galatians 5. Even though the manifestation of the Spirit is dramatically powerful and compelling, both to believers and unbelievers, the true power of the indwelling Spirit is His ability to nurture the character and lifestyle of God in the believer. God, who is infinite and all-powerful, reveals the depths of Himself through His many-sided character. It is this many-sided character that Paul referred to as ‘‘the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

To God, character is everything. This is the reason why Apostle Paul had to caution the Corinthian church by saying, “if I speak with the tongues (or language) of men and angels, and have no charity (love), I become as a sounding (noise-making) brass… (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Remember this – when the Spirit comes into our lives, His assignment is to help us mature, to be perfect and entire [complete in every part], wanting [lacking] nothing (James 1:4). The consummate man is the man who maintains his composure irrespective of changing times and seasons. The consummate man is the man who has no need. Is that possible? Yes, and the Holy Spirit of God in us can do all things. Glory to God!

Let’s look at it this way—the real needs of every man are peace and security, joy, love, respect, and the ability to be in control. When men hoard money, it is not for the sake of money, but rather for the sake of security or control. If someone made you angry by disrespecting you, then the person controlled you. He engendered how you feel now, so you are not in control. But if this man knows his worth [that his value does not come from the respect or disrespect people give him], he will not be perturbed by what others think of him or treat him. His composure will always be as he chooses. This is only possible through the Holy Spirit.

I hear some Christians complain that what Jesus taught as beatitudes is a difficult one, including loving your enemies and all those who despitefully use us. Yeah, it is a difficult thing Christ has asked of us. However, if the fruit of the Spirit is fully matured in a believer’s life, the beatitude becomes a lifestyle. This is why I introduce you today to the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

1. Love

In Galatians 5:22–23, love is translated from the Greek word ἀγάπη, (agape). Greek has multiple words for love, including eros, which is sexual love, and Philos, which is brotherly love. "Agape" is perfect love that only God can give.  

“In respect of agapao (agape), as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant "love" and interest of a perfect being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential "love" in them towards the Giver, and a practical "love" towards those who are partakers of the same, and a desire to help others to seek the Giver,” 

Love for God and others is the result of receiving God’s perfect agape love. Jesus encouraged his followers in John 15:9-11:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Loving people who do not deserve it can be difficult, isn’t it? However, the love of God [not human love] is poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit of God, who has been given to us (Romans 5:5). This is why we can confidently declare that we can love all men as Christ loves them. Glory to God!

2. Joy

Joy in this passage is χαρά (chara). Chara is often translated as joy or delight. It is often seen in the Bible with gladness. It is the realization of God’s favour and grace in one’s life. The Spirit’s joy is happiness that is not dependent on our circumstances or our possessions. This is why we are encouraged to:

“Count it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2).

Thus, happiness is contingent [on current circumstances or an event, for example], whereas joy is a wellspring within the believer. It always springs up within him, irrespective of the stock market dynamics or the economic situation.

3. Peace

The Biblical concept of peace, εἰρήνη (eirene) in Greek, is wholeness and harmony with God and others. A life of peace is safe and secure both physically and mentally. 

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6).” 

Peace is a result of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and minds. When we have peace, we are far from fear and worry about finances, our safety, our salvation, and our eternal life. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is seen in the peace that comes even when our circumstances are far from tranquil. Jesus encouraged his followers, saying, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. " (John 16:33). Imagine Paul being sent as a prisoner to Rome to face trial, and yet he is so at ease that he begins to counsel and pray for the crew, sharing revelations about the nature of their voyage with them. This is the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).

4. Forbearance

Forbearance μακροθυμία (makrothumia) is not a word that most of us commonly use.  The Greek word as used in Galatians 5:22–23 is often translated using other words such as patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance, longsuffering, and slowness in avenging wrongs. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to withstand challenging situations with perseverance and endurance. Such that a believer is not quick to curse, speak ill of, or retaliate.

The Greek root of this word relates to two words that mean long and passion. Through the Holy Spirit, we can wait longer before indulging our passions—we become “long-tempered” rather than “short-tempered.” In 1 Timothy 1:16, Paul used this word when he was describing Jesus’ patience (μακροθυμία) with him.

Like Paul, we have all benefited from Christ’s immense patience with us. The evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is also seen in our ability to persevere, be patient, steadfast and long-tempered. The Holy Scriptures encourage us to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2

When the fruit of the Spirit is fully matured in the life of a believer, he can say, ‘Father forgive them for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

5. Kindness

Kindness χρηστότης (chréstotés) conveys the meaning of moral goodness, integrity, usefulness, and benignity. In the King James Version, this word is translated as “gentleness,” which links it to the meaning of a gentleman or a gentlewoman, someone who behaves properly, with moral integrity and kindness. Remember, the Spirit Himself is gentle. The believer in whom dwells the Holy Spirit ought also to be gentle.

6. Goodness

Goodness ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) means uprightness of heart and life, and goodness. Goodness is seen in our actions. This word relates to not only being good but also doing good things.

This meaning is very well highlighted in 2 Thessalonians 1:11, “We pray for God's power to help you do all the good things you hope to do and your faith makes you want to do.”  Through the Holy Spirit's work in Christians' lives, they are upright in heart, and they do good things.

 

7. Faithfulness

Faithfulness πίστις (pistis) is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. Faithfulness is a character trait that combines dependability and trust based on our confidence in God and His eternal faithfulness to His children.

In the New Testament, faith is the belief in God and the conviction that Jesus is the Messiah through whom we obtain eternal salvation. It is also the belief that, as new creations in Christ, we are above everything (John 3:31) and that God’s grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). Hence, the matured Christian’s character is to be faithful in all things to the glory of God.

8. Gentleness

Gentleness πρᾳΰτης (prautes) was translated as “meekness” in the King James Version, but because being meek seemed weak, modern translations of the Bible use gentleness to mean mildness of disposition. Meekness does not identify the weak but, more precisely, the strong who have been placed in a position of weakness where they persevere without giving up. The use of the Greek word when applied to animals makes this clear, for it means "tame" when applied to wild animals. In other words, such animals have not lost their strength but have learned to control the destructive instincts that prevent them from living in harmony with others. "

When Jesus described himself as gentle, He said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29

9. Self-Control

Self-control ἐγκράτεια (egkrateia) is the ability to control one’s body and its sensual appetites and desires—physically and mentally—through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Self-control relates to both chastity and sobriety, particularly moderation in eating and drinking. Self-control is the opposite of the works of the flesh that indulge sensual desires.

As the Apostle Paul says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. " Galatians 5:16

 

You can assess yourself as a Christian to see how developed your character is in these areas. With this better understanding of the fruit of the Spirit, with His help, you are well able to consciously walk in them without blemish. Halleluyah!