Fruit of the Spirit
The “Fruit of the Spirit” is made up of nine visible attributes of a true Christian’s life. These fruits, or traits, are spoken about in Galatians 5:22-23 and include Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Temperance. They are collectively, not individually, the qualities or “fruits” that Christians should be manifesting in their lives. When followers of Christ live their life by these qualities, the world sees the result. That result is someone walking in the Holy Spirit – hence the name “Fruit of the Spirit.”
Christians will mature in their walk by studying and then applying each of these characteristics in their lives. It is important to understand that these nine qualities come directly from God Himself and every Christian’s goal should be to incorporate them into their own personality. This is not done through willpower or human strength, but by the incredible workings of the Holy Spirit in that person’s heart and life.
Made in His Image
God wants to transmit His own divine qualities into His people to enable them to be the reflection of Himself to the rest of the world. He realizes that due to faulty human nature, it is only by His Spirit that Christians can actually live out these qualities on a daily basis. He literally infuses the believer with fresh doses of His godly characteristics to then pour out to those around them.
It Only Takes One Thing to Receive the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
In order to possess all nine fruits, one must first die to self and allow Christ to dwell in and show through them. What a relief to know as believers all that must be done is for one to surrender their fleshly personalities to the work of the Spirit in them. Easier said than done, yes, but rewarding beyond words once it has been completed. Once a person completely hands over themself then, and only then, can they can watch as His mighty provision of these qualities flows through their own lives and into others around them.
There’s No Room for Anything Less than Complete Humbleness
This takes a fully humbled and surrendered heart to the Holy Spirit and an awareness of the believer’s intense need for the Spirit’s power at work in their lives. Then the “Fruit of the Spirit” will truly be seen by the world for what it is – living proof of God’s nature in His people.
Give a Bible, Change a Life – ChurchSource.com