Fruits of the Spirit

"Fruit of the Spirit" is a term commonly used by Christian teens, but its meaning is not always understood. The expression comes from Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (NIV)

What Are the Fruits of the Spirit?

There are nine fruits of the Spirit which are imparted to believers. These fruits are the obvious evidence that a person has the Spirit of God living inside and ruling over them. They display the character of a life submitted to God.

9 Fruits of the Spirit

• Faithfulness
• Self-Control
• Patience
• Goodness
• Gentleness
• Joy
• Kindness
• Peace
• Love

Fruits of the Spirit in the Bible

The fruits of the Spirit are mentioned in several areas of the Bible. However, the most applicable passage is Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul lists out the fruit. Paul used this list to emphasize the contrast between a person who is led by the Holy Spirit and demonstrating godly character versus one who is focused on the desires of the flesh.

How to Bear Fruit

The secret to developing an abundant crop of spiritual fruit is found in John 12:24:

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (ESV)

Jesus taught his followers to die to self and the desires of the old, sinful nature. Only in this way can new life spring forth, bringing with it much fruit.

The fruit of the Spirit develops as a result of the Holy Spirit’s presence working in the lives of maturing believers. You cannot obtain this fruit by following legalistic rules. As a Christian teen, you can strive to have these qualities in your life, but only by allowing God to do the work in you through the Holy Spirit.

Receiving the Fruits of the Spirit

Prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship with other believers will all help to nourish your new life in the Spirit and starve your old sinful self.

Ephesians 4:22-24 suggests letting go of any bad attitudes or habits from your old way of life:

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (NIV)

Through prayer and reading the Word of truth, you can ask the Holy Spirit to develop the fruit of the Spirit in you so that you can become more Christ-like in your character.

Edited by Mary Fairchild