Written by Abby | August 4, 2023

In this chaotic world, we live in, everyone thinks in a fast phase, everything is in quick motion, and most people demand an instant. Because of this side to side commotions, we get burned out much worse, leaving us dried up spiritually. It is where emotions start to build up. We get irritable in everything that we do. We are beginning to be consumed by our feelings and unknowingly harbor resentment. This resentment gives birth to anger. How do we respond to these emotions that build up in ourselves to avoid worldly reactions? The big answer is the fruit of the Spirit. What is the fruit of the Spirit? Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” let’s discuss pieces by pieces what it is to have the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in our life.

LOVE

In Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” There is no greater love than the radical love of the Lord; He gives to us. When Jesus died on the cross to carry our sins, He blessed and taught us what rooted love from God is. It is the unconditional, sacrificial love of Jesus for us. “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” –Romans 5:8.

JOY

Worldly joy is nothing compared to the rooted joy from the Holy Spirit. Temporary happiness from this world often leaves an empty void in our hearts. You’ll be happy at first, and then it will leave you unsatisfied. That temporary joy will bring loneliness, but the fruit of joy is rooted in the love of the Lord. “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” –John 15:10,11. Now, we know why love and joy are next to each other in the fruit of the Spirit. God made it for a reason.

PEACE

Anywhere you search, you can never find deep-rooted inner peace in this world. The peace this world offers is short-term and not eternal. When you delight yourself with the Lord, peace of mind will surround you. You’ll be away from the stressors of this world. Exactly apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

FORBEARANCE

The very nature of God’s character is patience and compassion. In your journey to getting to know Jesus, your knowledge and understanding of patience will grow fruitfully. The word of God is your full armor and shield to win the battle of exasperation. When you submit yourself to the Lord, He will clothe you with strength and tolerance in every problematic situation, bringing you so much joy! “Therefore , as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly love, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” –Colossians 3:12 We are more than conquerors!

KINDNESS

Not one thing in this world will ever overcome the unconditional kindness the Lord gives to all people. God shared this character with His children as living proof that God, who performed miracles ages ago, is the same God who gives the light up to this generation by showing love and kindness. We may not hear His voice audibly, but His action is evident in our lives.

GOODNESS

No one is perfect but God. The character of God’s goodness to all surpasses all understanding. No one is good except God because He is faithful and righteous. He has no stain of any wrongdoing because He is forever holy. He is the only One who can do immeasurable grace when He brought Jesus down here to remove the world’s sins. We do not deserve this unmerited favor, but He freely gives it to us because of His goodness and love.

FAITHFULNESS

Regarding unwavering loyalty, we can assure that God is the only One faithful to all generations. It has no exception of giving grace to those who come to Him. Jesus alone deserves to call faithful because He never changes. Jesus’ Lordship endured the cross to provide us with salvation. His superiority proves His faithfulness and humility by coming down on earth not for us to serve Him but to serve others and to pay the price for humanity’s sin.

GENTLENESS

This world could never give the genuine gentleness that comes from the Spirit. The enemy may appear soft in counterfeit. But in the end, the real motive will come out. The rooted gentleness that comes from Jesus endures in all circumstances. It is complicated to practice, but God gave us this fruit to exercise so we are equipped in spiritual warfare; the enemy will attack us. The attributes of gentleness are by providing a soft answer in disappointment, kind words even in anger, affectionate in every action, and peaceful even in chaos.

SELF-CONTROL

We will never know the secret of a rooted discipline from the Holy Spirit if we allow the enemy to use us to break the walls relentlessly. Without self-control, we are tearing down the barriers of the Holy Spirit’s defense He put in place for us. This protection within ourselves is only adequate if we seek God and His purpose.

The essence of the fruit of the Spirit is to guide us to possess a rooted character from Jesus. It is not to appear holy in front of others but a pursuit to run a race and get a crown that will last forever. These fruits will gain us wisdom and instruction to help us build our character. Once we experience fellowship with the Holy Spirit, our relationship with Jesus will grow stronger as the days go by. How joyful it is to grow in God’s love!

Be happy, and stay blessed!