Fruits of the Spirit

Paul tells us there are nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Paul uses the metaphor of fruit to paint a picture of the qualities of Christ's life as it works itself out in the character and relationships of His people. There are many people who don't know Christ as Lord who yet seemingly show many of these qualities. But only believers can consistently manifest these qualities, since they live as those whose eyes are opened to appreciate the beauty of God's holiness. And even in these believers, they don't manifest themselves perfectly, because we may let our own spirit rule at times instead of the Spirit of God. But how loving and full of joy and peace is that life that allows God to rule! Then the relationships can be those of patience and kindness and generosity, etc. Life like this is eminently worth-while!