The Fruits of The Holy Spirit

What are the

Fruits of the Holy Spirit?

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is a biblical term that sums up nine attributes of a person or community living in accord with the Holy Spirit, according to chapter 5 of the Epistle to the Galatians: –

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Supernatural Kindness & Goodness

Personal Application

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive as a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you.

Leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.

He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate, when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1Peter 2:19-25)

‘Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city’ (Proverbs 16:32). The next time you feel you are losing your temper ask the Holy Spirit for the fruit of patience.

Proverbs 16:32
Do you want to be a mighty warrior? It’s better to be known as one who is patient and slow to anger. Do you want to conquer a city? Rule over your temper before you attempt to rule a city.

Seeing Jesus in the Scripture

‘When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals – one on his right the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”

Luke 23:33-34
33 When they came to the place that is known as The Skull, the guards crucified Jesus, nailing him on the centre cross between the two criminals. 34 While they were nailing Jesus to the cross, he prayed over and over, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” The soldiers, after they crucified him, gambled over his clothing.

Despite the most extreme provocation and justice, Jesus kept his temper and responded in love, forgiveness and mercy. Patience is enduring or waiting, as a determination of will. It’s not merely enduring trials as a matter of necessity. Patience is a strong determination of will, to unconsciously overcome negative things we confront according to God’s will.

Opening our eyes

The fifth fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22 is kindness. ‘Kindness’ is a very beautiful word; it means ‘a kindly disposition, or warm goodwill towards others’. In recent times Mother Teresa gave this instruction: ‘Be the living expression of God’s kindness… give… not only your care, but also your heart.’ It is not a false sentimentality or foolish indulgence, but a supernatural virtue endowed by the Holy Spirit which pervades our whole disposition and engenders within us a warm goodwill to others. To speak, for example, of an ‘unkind Christian’ is almost a contradiction in terms. There is some evidence that in the early centuries of the Church, non-Christians used the words ‘kindly’ and ‘Christian’ as synonyms. Tertullian, one of the Church Fathers, said, ‘The words were so allied in meaning that no harm was done by the confusion.’

Kindness is not being a ‘do-gooder’. Many think, for example, that kindness is demonstrated by giving money to people who have a financial need. But by giving money to people who appear to need it without being guided by the Spirit can result in great harm. The supernatural kindness that is a gift of the Spirit can sometimes appear to be severe because it is motivated by love and therefore knows when to give a hard refusal. It is based on God’s kindness, which can cut with the same firmness that a surgeon uses when he is intent on removing a life-threatening tumour. We must never forget that it is kindness in the heart of God that leads Him to rid us of those moral tumours that threaten our spiritual health. But always God’s severity is our security. It is redemptive and for our best.

Most commentators agree that ‘goodness’ is the hardest fruit to define, as the word ‘good’ is used so widely that it can mean almost everything and nearly noting. It is the view of most writes and Bible commentators that supernatural goodness is not just a matter of doing good things (though it includes that) but that it is essential goodness – goodness in the inner parts. Edwin Chaplin, a Christian Writer, put it well when he said, ‘Goodness consists not just in the outwards things we do but in the inwards thing we are.’ Goodness, like kindness, has first to be an attitude before it becomes an action. In fact, some commentators are of the opinion that it is more non-verbal than verbal – it is evidenced not so much in words as in one’s whole demeanour. And that demeanour is the character of Christ flowing in and through one of His followers. Perhaps we can get no nearer to a definition of supernatural goodness than this: reminding people of Jesus Christ.

Who was George Muller? – George Muller of Bristol, the man who cared for so many orphans in the nineteenth century, was said to demonstrate the fruit of goodness and to a remarkable degree. He was once asked what he considered to be the power behind his ministry. He surprised his questioner by talking about his ‘secret death’. He said, ‘I died to George Muller, his opinions, preferences, tastes and will: died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends; and since then I have studied only to show myself approved of God.’ In those who manifest the fruit of goodness, one thing is always clear: they have died to their own interests and have returned to live for the interests of Christ.

Discussion Starters
What is your own definition of Kindness?
What is your definition of goodness?
How do goodness and kindness differ?
Why is kindness a defining quality of a Christian?
What key elements of spiritual fruit are revealed in the quite of Mother Teresa?
Do you agree with the proverb that; ‘sometimes we need to be cruel to be kind’?
What do you understand by the rem ‘secret death’ when applied to Christians?
Why may self-interest prevent goodness developing in our lives?

Digging Deeper into two of the Fruits of The Spirit

Galations 5:22-23 TPT

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures,kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

“Anyone with ears to hear

must

listen to the Spirit

and understand what he

God.

saying to the churches.

victorious I will give fruit from

the tree of life in the paradise of

To everyone who

- Revelation 2:7 (NLT)

Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven at God’s right hand.

And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit

to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.

Acts of the Apostles 2:33 (NLT)

Supernatural Kindness and Goodness digging deeper

Can you recall an incident when someone was especially kind to you and how that made you feel?

Galatians 5:22-23 TPT

22–23 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions:

Love which is divine in all its varied expressions
Joy that overflows,
Peace that subdues,
Patience that endures,
Kindness in action, a life full of virtue,
Goodness,
Faith that prevails,
Gentleness of heart, and
Self-control and, (Strength of spirit).

Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

Romans 8:6 TPT

For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.

Romans 8:4 TPT – Sons and Daughters destined for Glory

The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit.

Wanting to please and be accepted is a natural trait. We might even say it is Godly. God wants us to be good to people and try to accommodate them like in Romans 15:2-3 which teaches us to make a practice of pleasing your neighbours, but we need to be balanced in that.

Romans 15:2-3 TPT

2 Our goal must be to empower others to do what is right and good for them, and to bring them into spiritual maturity. 3 For not even the most powerful one of all, the Anointed One, lived to please himself. His life fulfilled the Scripture that says: ‘All the insults of those who insulted you fall upon me’.

Read the following verses

Romans 15:13-14 TPT

13 Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!

Paul’s Ministry and His Plans

14 My dear brothers and sisters, I am fully convinced of your genuine spirituality. I know that each of you is stuffed full of God’s goodness, that you are richly supplied with all kinds of revelation-knowledge, and that you are empowered to effectively instruct one another.

Life Point

When the deceiver speaks to us he cannot give peace.

When we try to solve things with our own reasoning we cannot find peace, because according to Romans 8:6 the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Holy Spirit is life and Peace.

Read Galatians 2:20 TPT

“My old identity has been co-crucified with Messiah and no longer lives; for the nails of his cross crucified me with him. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me—we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me and dispenses his life into mine!

It is no longer I Who Live but Christ who lives in me.

How do we face man’s reliance or dependence? The Christian lives by continual dependence on Christ by yielding to him by waiting and allowing Christ to live his life in him.

We live through Christ with love and trust and through faith we strive.

A life of faith is a life saved by faith.

Walk by faith, walk in the Spirit.

As Luke rights, Luke 23:24 TPT – Pilate caved in to the crowd and ordered that the will of the people be done.

Luke is saying that – Jesus Loved even those who hated him, those who sentenced him to be torched to death and watched him as he died an agonising death.

Read Philippians 2:14-16 TPT

14 Live a cheerful life, without complaining or division among yourselves. 15 For then you will be seen as innocent, faultless, and pure children of God, even though you live in the midst of a brutal and perverse culture. For you will appear among them as shining lights in the universe, 16 offering them the words of eternal life. I haven’t laboured among you for nothing, for your lives are the fruit of my ministry and will be my glorious boast at the unveiling of Christ!

Do you often wonder if your life as a Christian makes a difference to those around you?

Just a thought of mine!

I always wondered if God looks down on us from above, as He watches us, do those who believe in Him and all the faithful ones through Christ shine brighter like the stars in the sky? Do we shine much brighter than anyone else, is that how God knows us?

We are called to shine and be happy about it, to let others see how great it is to know God and that He Loves us so much, be that light, be seen bright, pure and faithful children of God. It is so important to God!

Do you often wonder if your life as a Christian makes a difference to those around you?

The Bible teaches that it certainly does, so ask God to help you shine brightly with His love and joy to those around you!

Read Colossians 3:1-11 TPT

One with Christ in Glory

1 Christ’s resurrection is your resurrection too. This is why we are to yearn for all that is above, for that’s where Christ sits enthroned at the lace of all power, honor and authority!

2 Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.

3 Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ.

4 And as Christ himself is seen for who he really is, who you really are will also be revealed, for you are now one with him in his glory!

New Creation Life

5 Live as one who has died to every form of sexual sin and impurity. Live as one who died to diseases, and desires for forbidden things, including the desire for wealth, which is the essence of idol worship.

6 When you live in these vices you ignite the anger of God against these acts of disobedience.

7-8 That’s how you once behaved, characterized by your evil deeds. But now it’s time to eliminate them from your lives once and for all—anger, fits of rage, all forms of hatred, cursing, filthy speech, 9 and lying. Lay aside your old Adam-self with its masquerade and disguise.

10 For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving you the full revelation of God.

11 In this new creation life, your nationality makes no difference, or your ethnicity, education, or economic status—they matter nothing. For it is Christ that means everything as he lives in every one of us!

The same here as Philippians, is that Christ is the fullness of God poured out in life through believers; thoughts and affections of believers.

Heavenly living of believers is Holy.

Eliminate from your lives each Evil Deed! So, our light can shine, and God can focus on us and see us as good and faithful.

Read Colossians 3:12-17 TPT

(Love is Supreme – Colossians 3:14. My favourite verse.)

Love One Another

12 You are always and dearly loved by God! So, robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavour to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.

13 Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.

14 For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.

15 Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body. And always be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ live in you richly, flooding you with all wisdom. Apply the Scriptures as you teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises, and with prophetic songs given to you spontaneously by the Spirit, so sing to God with all your hearts!

17 Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!

This is all about peace and beauty through praising Christ.

Let the word of Christ live in you richly flooding you with wisdom.

Forgive graciously as Christ was to us. Always;

Be merciful
Understand others
Be compassionate
Show kindness to all
Be gentle
Be Humble and unoffendable
Be patient with others
Tolerate other’s weaknesses

Random acts of kindness – Read the following Passages

Proverbs 11:17 – Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.

Proverbs 12:25 – Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.

Proverbs 19:17 – Every time you give to the poor you make a loan to the Lord. Don’t worry—you’ll be repaid in full for all the good you’ve done.

Titus 3:4-8 – The Hymn of Salvation by Grace

4 When the extraordinary compassion of God our Savior and his overpowering love suddenly appeared in person, as the brightness of a dawning day, 5 he came to save us. Not because of any virtuous deed that we have done but only because of his extravagant mercy.

6 He saved us, resurrecting us through the washing of rebirth. We are made completely new by the Holy Spirit, whom he splashed over us richly by Jesus, the Messiah, our Life Giver.

7 So as a gift of his love, and since we are faultless—innocent before his face—we can now become heirs of all things, all because of an overflowing hope of eternal life.

8 How true and faithful is this message!

Also read Colossians again 3:12-13

God’s mercies and kindness are new every morning and always enough for the day. Kindness is a characteristic of God it is who he is and what he does.

Sometimes you miss God’s kindness because he revealed it in a different way than you anticipated, it can be in the form of salvation, answered prayers, redemption many other ways, remember to search for it because it is right there in front of you, and when you receive his kindness go out and share it others. What did God do for you today?

The satisfaction and rewards where being kind to others are indescribable.

Remember too: – Be gentle in the Spirit – Read: –

Ephesians 4:2 – With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience.

Philippians 4:5 – Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near.

1 Peter 3:15-16 – But give reverent honor in your hearts to the Anointed One and treat him as the holy Master of your lives. And if anyone asks about the hope living within you, always be ready to explain your faith. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

2 Timothy 2:24-25 – For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the truth, having great patience toward the immature. Then with meekness you’ll be able to carefully enlighten those who argue with you, so they can see God’s gracious gift of repentance and be brought to the truth.

Proverbs 15:1 – Respond gently when you are confronted, and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men?

Gentleness is when humility, meekness and modesty are interwoven into your being. It is not a weakness it is to consider others above yourself and to act on their behalf. How you intervene with a gentle spirit is sometimes more important than intervening at all, with your attitude and how you do things you show that the spirit is in you now nothing will be able to illuminate your sincere gentleness.

Closing Prayer

I pray Father God, that the source of hope will fill me completely with joy and peace because we are committed to Christ, and we have all trust in him, he is Lord fully and ultimately, and with complete graciousness, we know you love us unconditionally no matter what, in Jesus’ name Amen.