3254 Holy Spirit, fruit of
The living presence of the Holy Spirit in believers leads to Christlike virtues within them, just as a living tree will bear good fruit.
God expects his people to bear spiritual fruit
Isa 5:4 See also Mt 7:12-20 “fruit” is a term used to indicate the produce or outcome of a person’s life; Jn 15:8
The fruit of the Spirit leads to believers becoming Christlike
The gift of the Spirit begins this lifelong process 2Co 3:18
Christlike qualities are contrasted with sinful ones Gal 5:16-17 See also Ro 8:5-14; 1Co 12:7; Gal 6:8; Eph 5:8-16; Col 3:1-17
The fruit of Spirit-filled living
Gal 5:22-23 “fruit” is singular, emphasising that these qualities are mutually dependent aspects of Christian living. See also Eph 5:9
Examples of the fruit of the Spirit
Love Ro 5:5; 1Co 13:1-13
Joy Php 1:18-19; 1Th 1:6
Patience Heb 6:12; Jas 5:7-11
Kindness 2Co 6:6; Col 3:12; 2Pe 1:7
Faithfulness 1Co 10:13 God’s faithfulness is also here presented as the reason for faithfulness; 3Jn 3
Gentleness Mt 11:29-30 Jesus Christ displays such gentleness; 1Th 2:7
Other evidence of the Holy Spirit’s activity
Ro 14:17 righteousness Hope: Ro 15:13; Gal 5:5
Eph 1:17 wisdom; Eph 5:18 temperance
