Freedom Calls

Galatians 5:22-23 is a well-known passage in the Bible that describes the Fruit of the Spirit.

This passage is a powerful reminder of the character and nature of God that Christians can manifest in their lives as they are led by the Holy Spirit. Let’s break down each of these qualities:

• Love: The most important of these qualities, love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not arrogant, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and not kept from rejoicing in truth.

• Joy: This is the deep happiness and contentment that comes from knowing and serving God, as described in Philippians 4:4 and James 1:2-4.

• Peace: This is the peace that passes understanding, which comes from trusting in God and His plan, as mentioned in Philippians 4:7 and John 14:27.

• Forbearance: This is the ability to endure and put up with difficult situations and people, as described in Ephesians 4:2 and Colossians 3:13.

• Kindness: This is the quality of being compassionate, kindhearted, and forgiving, as mentioned in Colossians 3:12 and Luke 6:36.

• Goodness: This is the quality of being good and virtuous, as described in Matthew 5:44-45 and 1 Peter 3:11.

• Faithfulness: This is the quality of being loyal and dependable, as mentioned in Hebrews 10:23 and 11:11.

• Gentleness: This is the quality of being gentle and humble, as described in Matthew 11:29 and 2 Corinthians 10:1.

• Self-control: This is the ability to control one’s thoughts, words, and actions, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:25 and 2 Peter 1:6.

As Charles Spurgeon said,

“The fruit of the Spirit is not the fruit of the flesh, but the fruit of the Spirit; it is the product of His operation, and the evidence of His presence.” (Spurgeon, C. H. (1857). Lectures to My Students.)

These qualities are not something that we can produce on our own, but rather they are the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. As we surrender to His guidance and direction, we can bear fruit that honors God and brings glory to His name.