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The Fruit of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are qualities or characteristics that should naturally grow in us as the Holy Spirit guides us to follow Jesus. These are essential characteristics of a Christian and are central to planting seeds in a child’s formative years to teach character development. These qualities are like the “fruits” that grow from a good tree rooted in a relationship with God. They show that a person lives a life influenced by the Holy Spirit.

LOVE

Love: Wanting what is best for others by putting their needs above yours, speaking the truth, and helping them avoid wrongdoing.

Learn how the Apostle John could call himself “The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved” because his identity was in Christ.

Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Cor. 16:14)

JOY & PEACE

Joy: A condition (not a feeling) that comes from knowing your heart, soul, mind, and body are well, even if your circumstances are not. ​

Peace: A confidence and trust in God’s control of your life and a calm heart, free of trouble and fear.

Learn how Paul found the secret of being content no matter the circumstances while in prison because he loved God above all else.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Phil. 4:4)

PATIENCE

Patience: Continuing to love while not being selfish, jealous, or angry and not complaining or giving up when we don’t get our way.

Learn how Sarah gave birth to a son at 90, becoming the mother of all nations by surrendering her impatience, bitterness, and unbelief to trust in God’s plan and timing.

Is anything too hard for the LORD? (Gen. 18:14)

KINDNESS & GENTLENESS

Kindness: Extending compassion, empathy, and goodwill toward others with gracious words and actions. ​

Gentleness: Being kind and respectful toward others while being mild in your actions, attitude, and speech. ​

Learn how Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law, acceptance of a new community, and trust in God helped her rise from widowhood and poverty to become part of the lineage of King David and Jesus.

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Tim. 6:11)

GOODNESS

Goodness: Being kind, gracious, generous, and loving toward others while respecting them. ​

Learn from Peter how obedience to what is right and good deepens our relationship with God, helps us grow spiritually, and serves as a witness to others if we keep our minds focused, control our emotions, and show our faith in Jesus through our actions and speech, always being prepared to tell others the reason for our faith.

you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (Matt. 16:18)

FAITHFULNESS

Faithfulness: Being steadfast, loyal, trustworthy, reliable, and true to your word. ​

Learn that what made Abraham great was God’s calling and testing of his life and faith in God, and though he didn’t always obey perfectly, Abraham learned to trust God in the final test when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac.

It is impossible to please God without faith. (Heb. 11:5-6)

SELF-CONTROL

Self-Control: The ability to control your emotions, desires, and actions in a way that honors God and benefits others over yourself.

Learn how Joseph didn’t want to sin because that would separate him from God, and how God was present in Joseph’s life during good times and bad, allowing him to endure the evil done to him and God turning what others meant for harm into good.

God gives us power for self-control. (2 Tim. 1:7)