Introduction
The fruit of the Spirit makes Christians beautiful and unique, setting them apart. These qualities make us lovable and Christ-like. They are not just natural traits but the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.
Our Character
We are known by people far away only by the charisms working in us, the working of the Spirit in power. People close to us recognize us by our character, endowed by these virtues. As you become more filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, you will exhibit more of these qualities. Saturation with His presence increases the reflection of His virtues in your life. When the Holy Spirit controls you, these virtues will become evident. A closer walk with the Holy Spirit results in bearing more fruit.
“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things,” (Galatians 5:22-23).
These virtues represent the character of Jesus. Walking in the Spirit imbues us with Jesus’ character. They are not natural fruits but the supernatural workings of the Holy Spirit. The world looks for people who resemble Jesus in both character and power.
Spending time in fellowship with the Holy Spirit allows His qualities to shine through you. As the Holy Spirit takes control, these virtues manifest. Sitting with the Lord, allowing Him to heal your inner wounds, and molding you into His image makes these qualities shine within you.
Purpose of the Fruit of the Spirit
The purpose of these virtues in your life is manifold. They mold you into the likeness of Jesus, becoming Christ-like in nature. These virtues mark a person who walks in the Spirit.
“… whoever says, ‘I abide in him,’ ought to walk just as he walked,” (1 John 2:6).
Their primary purpose is to mature us into the Son of God, molding us into Jesus’ likeness in our everyday lives, exhibiting patience and faithfulness. These qualities are displayed in a believer’s life.
Drawing Non-Believers
Non-believers will be drawn to us when they see these virtues within us. They will feel touched by the Lord when we radiate God’s love, peace, joy, and authority.
Maintaining Relationships
We need these virtues to maintain good relationships with others. Each of us is different, coming from diverse backgrounds with varied experiences ingrained deeply into our personalities and psyche. It can be challenging to get along with people who are different. The flesh’s desires are always at work within us. Only with the Holy Spirit’s help can we produce these virtues and maintain peaceful relationships. People are often short-tempered, disobedient, suspicious, worldly, and lustful. To get along with them, we need these qualities. Whether it is your neighbor, boss, spouse, children, students, or other relationships, the fruit of the Spirit helps. Living in the flesh results in broken fellowship, but living in the Spirit promotes harmonious relationships.
Facing Difficult Times
Difficult times call for the fruit of the Spirit. When people share their struggles, I tell them, “This is the time to walk in the Spirit and exhibit these virtues. Walk in love and allow these qualities to develop and manifest in you.” The Spirit of God releases these virtues in us to maintain fellowship with others.
He fills us with love when we need love in our hearts for others.
He fills us with peace when we need peace in our hearts.
He fills us with joy when we need joy in our hearts. He fills us with gentleness when we need to be gentle.
He fills us with goodness when we need to be good to others.
He fills us with kindness when we need to be kind to others.
He fills us with patience when we need to be patient with others.
He fills us with faithfulness when we need to be faithful to God.
He fills us with self-control when we need to exercise self-control.
Spiritual Warfare
These virtues serve as a defensive weapon against Satan and his temptations. In spiritual warfare, one of the most overlooked spiritual weapons is the fruit of the Spirit.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
Standing firm after doing everything requires these virtues. They help us overcome evil with good when provoked and fill us with self-control when tempted.
“And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, ‘Lie with me.’ But he refused… he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside,” (Genesis 39:7-12).
Filled with joy when under accusation, we find the accuser defeated.
“As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name,” (Acts 5:41).
Overcoming the Flesh
We can overcome the works of the flesh through these virtues.
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God,” (Galatians 5:19-21).
The flesh seeks to influence us constantly. Allowing the Holy Spirit to control us helps us overcome these works of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit provides the answer. More of the Holy Spirit results in more of these virtues.
Power on High
If you want ‘the power on high,’ you need these virtues in your life. The Holy Spirit fills those who are full of Jesus. Years ago, after praying fervently for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we received a word from the Lord: “When these qualities are seen in you all, the power from above will come upon you.”
God’s power without these virtues in our personal life is wasted. The anointing spills out of our life without the Holy Spirit’s characteristics. We can sustain a powerful ministry only with these virtues. If the flesh dominates, we won’t last long. Every ministry faces opposition; evil forces are always at work. Anointing doesn’t silence the Devil; he works more subtly. The fruit of the Spirit provides the only effective and permanent solution. What is given by the Spirit cannot be sustained by the flesh.
