The use of the singular,"fruit" instead of the plural points to the one root of these characteristics of the beauty of Jesus in our character, through the
work of the indwelling Spirit of God. Fruitage in the Spirit requires rootage in the Spirit. Recreated in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit, in our normal
Christian life the Spirit produces the loveliness of Jesus that glorifies the Father (John 15:8 ).
LOVE (Galatians 5:22) Greek 'Agape'
It is God's own love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5 ), and is directed in its overflow towards those who are one with
us in the family of God (1 John 4:7-8 ). Also back to our Father (1John 4:19 ). It is expressed in compassion for the lost
(Ephesians 5:2 ). In 1 Corinthians 13 agape love is described as patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy, unselfishness, good
temper, righteousness, sincerity. This love seeks the highest good of the other (Colossians 3:14 ).
JOY (Galatians 5:22) Greek 'Chara'
Unlike happiness that depends on happenings - this is joy in the Lord, and joy in His sure promises - joy that flows out of the Lord's presence and
communion with Him (1 Peter 1:8; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16 ).
PEACE (Galatians 5:22) Greek 'Eirene'
It is the peace of God given to those who have peace with God (Ephesians 2:14 ). It is peace that surpasses all understanding
(Philippians 4:7 ). In Jesus there is a calmness that no outward hostility can upset (Isaiah 26:3 ).
LONGSUFFERING (Galatians 5:22) Greek 'Makrothumia'
This characteristic of Christ in His people, bears long with the slowness in the comprehension and learning of others. It is enduring in serving, even
when provoked and in the face of unkindness. Longsuffering patiently endures without murmuring, resentment, or keeping account.
What a display of Christ's longsuffering was in the ministry of Paul and his fellow workers (2 Corinthians 6:4-6 ). The Lord's forbearance is to
be expressed one to another (Ephesians 4:2 ). By the strengthening with all might through His glorious power, the Holy Spirit will make us
longsuffering, but not the stoic type - Christlike longsuffering is with joy. (Colossians 1:11; Acts 5:41 ). Longsuffering in gospel ministry is a
pattern to those who will believe the message (1 Timothy 1:16 ). We are charged to exhort and teach with all longsuffering (2 Timothy
4:2 ).
KINDNESS (Galatians 5:22) Greek 'Chrestotes'
This is a disposition that is a spontaneous overflow of the love of Christ, that would rather be hurt by others that inflict hurt on others. Practice
representing Jesus in being kind and gentle to others (Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:1-2 ).
GOODNESS (Galatians 5:22) Greek 'Agathosune'
Christlike in conduct. Just as Jesus revealed the Father's goodness, so should everyone indwelt by the Spirit (Romans 2:4 ). Our goodness
should turn people to God (Ephesians 5:8-9 ). The Greek word means generosity in things both material and spiritual (Matthew 5:44-48;
Luke 6:27-32 ). To be stringent and withholding has a shrinking effect on the spiritual life. Generosity of spirit produces a healthy and abundant
spiritual life. In the realm of the spiritual we lose what we keep and keep the life we lose for His sake (Matthew 10:39; 16:25 ). Goodness is
also expressed in the hatred of evil, and will rebuke and correct evil (Matthew 21:12-13 ). The Holy Spirit produces active good.
FAITHFULNESS (Galatians 5:22) Greek 'Pistis'
Loyal to God and His Word. Truly obedient because of complete confidence in, and reliance on God. Not only dependent on God, but one faithful to
God (1 Timothy 6:12 ). Faithful as a custodian of apostolic doctrine (2 Timothy 2:2 ) The authentic teaching witnessed to by many,
faithfully, that is, accurately giving that teaching to others. A faithful person adorns the doctrine of God in all things (Titus 2:10 ).
GENTLENESS (Galatians 5:23) Greek 'Prautes'
It is strength held under control. It has power to correct without destroying (2 Timothy 2:24-25 ). It can contend and defend effectively (1
Peter 3:15 ). The gentleness of Jesus in us (Matthew 11:29 ). Even in anger at the hardness of the hearts around Him He was gentle in
healing the needy man (Mark 3:5 ). This gentleness is the opposite of self-reliant arrogance. It is self-sacrificing concern for others.
SELF-CONTROL (Galatians 5:23) Greek 'Egkrateia'
We need to allow the Spirit to develop this self-control, so that in the Christian race we will keep ourselves spiritually fit at all times, to attain our best
for the Lord. As such we will be masters of our desires and maintain purity (1 Corinthians 7:9; 9:25 ). Co-operate with the Holy Spirit so as
to obey Titus 1:8 and be qualified for serving in high office. "Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:23 KJV).
It is our privilege and responsibility to work with the Holy Spirit in growing more and more into likeness of Christ. Be free to be like Jesus in the
home, in the crowd, in the work place, and among His people.
We are Christ's - His blood has purchased us - He delivered us - He is our Lord, our life, our all. Our union is with Him, and being baptised into His
death (Romans 6:4 ), we as believers are "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20 ). By His death being made free from "the flesh with
the affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:24 KJV). The flesh has been put down from its supremacy, and living in Him in the power of the Spirit,
we are free to bear the fruit of the Spirit.
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Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is
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