Question 34: Fruit of the Spirit

08.02.25-09.05.25|Courageous Church Series

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Read: Galatians 5:22-23
Listen: Galatians 5

Question: What is the fruit of the Spirit?

Answer: The fruit of the Spirit is a supernatural work of the Spirit that shapes believers’ lives into Christlike character as they walk in the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Paul writes to Galatian believers trying to earn God’s favor through rule-following rather than walking by the Spirit. He contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, showing them a completely different way to live. These nine characteristics—love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control—are not human achievements but supernatural fruit the Spirit produces in believers’ lives. Paul uses the singular “fruit,” indicating these qualities work together as a unified whole in the believer’s character. No law could be written against such character traits because they reflect God’s nature. The Galatians learn that spiritual maturity comes not through rule-keeping but by yielding to the Spirit’s transforming work.

These fruits are produced in our lives when we walk in step with the Spirit and submit to his guidance. As the Spirit transforms us, we grow less hateful and more loving, less cynical and more joyful, less anxious and more at peace, less impatient and more patient. This spiritual formation is a lifelong pursuit empowered by the Holy Spirit, not something immediate or achievable by our own efforts. Transformed lives are the result of actively obeying the Spirit’s guidance and his indwelling. The more we live according to his will, the more these Christlike qualities become natural expressions of our hearts.

TODAY: Ask the Spirit to show you which fruit needs to grow and submit to walking with the Spirit. Learn more about the Spirit’s work in believers’ lives in our We Believe document HERE.