The Christian life is not about striving to be better in our own strength—it’s about yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to produce His character in us. In Galatians 5:16-26, Paul contrasts the “deeds of the flesh” with the “fruit of the Spirit,” revealing that real transformation happens when we walk in the Spirit. But what’s the fruit of the Spirit, and how do we see it in our daily lives? Let’s explore this through both biblical truth and practical examples.
What’s the Fruit of the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of God’s work in our hearts. It’s not something we achieve through willpower—it’s the natural outflow of abiding in Christ. Paul describes it in Galatians 5:22-23 as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are not individual goals to attain but rather a singular work of the Holy Spirit in us.
One key distinction Eric Gilmour highlights in his sermon is that Paul refers to the works of the flesh but the fruit of the Spirit. Works are what we do; fruit is what grows in us as we remain connected to Jesus. This means that just as a tree does not struggle to bear fruit but simply stays rooted and nourished, we too must remain in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate His nature within us.
Walking in the Spirit vs. Walking in the Flesh
Paul makes it clear that walking in the Spirit is the only way to overcome sin and live in freedom. When we are led by the Spirit, we naturally turn away from selfish desires. It’s not about suppressing sinful tendencies with sheer determination but about being so filled with the Spirit that sin loses its appeal.
The desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit are at war. The flesh wants immediate gratification, recognition, and self-interest, while the Spirit leads us toward love, humility, and selflessness. The two cannot coexist in harmony, which is why walking in the Spirit is essential. When we cultivate intimacy with Christ through prayer, worship, and Scripture, the Holy Spirit transforms our character. Instead of striving to be patient, for example, we find that the Spirit develops patience in us as we surrender to Him.
This transformation is gradual, much like a seed that grows into a tree. At first, the changes may seem small, but over time, as we remain faithful in walking in the Spirit, we begin to see the evidence of spiritual fruit in our actions, thoughts, and attitudes.
Practical Examples of The Fruit of the Spirit
Understanding the fruit of the Spirit is one thing, but living it out is another. Here are some practical examples of the fruit of the Spirit in action:
- Love: Choosing to forgive someone who hurt you, even when it’s undeserved. Loving unconditionally, just as Christ loved us, even when it is difficult.
- Joy: Maintaining deep, abiding happiness in Christ, even when circumstances are difficult. True joy is independent of external situations and stems from knowing and trusting in God.
- Peace: Trusting God in uncertainty rather than giving in to anxiety. When life feels chaotic, peace is the anchor that holds us steady.
- Patience: Enduring trials without complaining, knowing God is in control. This is especially evident in moments of frustration or when dealing with difficult people.
- Kindness: Helping a coworker or friend in need without expecting anything in return. Kindness seeks to serve and uplift others.
- Goodness: Standing up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular. Goodness is actively seeking to reflect the moral character of God in every decision.
- Faithfulness: Keeping commitments and staying devoted to God’s calling on your life. It means being dependable and trustworthy, no matter the circumstances.
- Gentleness: Responding with grace rather than anger in moments of conflict. Gentleness does not mean weakness, but rather strength under control.
- Self-Control: Resisting temptation and choosing what honors God. This involves discipline in thoughts, words, and actions.
When we walk in the Spirit, these qualities naturally flow out of us—not because we are perfect, but because the Holy Spirit is at work in us.
The Key to Bearing Spiritual Fruit
Eric Gilmour reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is not a to-do list—it’s a “He is” list. In other words, these attributes describe who Jesus is. As we draw close to Him, His nature becomes our nature. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” The key is abiding in Christ.
This is where many Christians struggle—mistakenly believing that bearing fruit is about effort rather than surrender. The truth is, the more we focus on abiding in Jesus, the more we will see the Holy Spirit naturally producing His fruit in us. It is not about behavior modification but about transformation from the inside out.
Why This Matters in Everyday Life
Walking in the Spirit is not just about personal holiness—it impacts how we interact with the world. When people see the fruit of the Spirit in us, they see a reflection of Christ. Love, joy, and peace make a difference in families, workplaces, and communities. Kindness and gentleness soften hearts and open doors for the gospel. Self-control and patience demonstrate godly character in difficult situations.
If we want to walk in the Spirit, we must make a daily choice to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading. This means prioritizing time with God, filling our minds with His truth, and allowing Him to refine us through life’s circumstances. It may not always be easy, but the reward is a life that overflows with God’s presence and power.
Final Thoughts
The fruit of the Spirit is the mark of a life surrendered to God. It’s the evidence that we are walking in the Spirit, not in our own strength. And as we yield to the Spirit’s work, we find that love, joy, peace, and all the other fruit naturally grow in our lives.
So, the next time you find yourself striving to be better, take a step back. Instead of trying harder, ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate His fruit in you. As you do, you’ll see a transformation that is not just external but deeply rooted in Christ. Over time, others will notice the difference, and your life will become a testimony of God’s power at work within you.
Walking in the Spirit is not about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about yielding, trusting, and letting God shape us into the image of Christ. Let’s commit to walking in the Spirit daily and allowing Him to bear much fruit in our lives.
