The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Fruit of the Spirit

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 5:22-24

Paul contrasts the list of vices with a list of virtues. Only through the Spirit can believers obtain victory over the flesh. Whether one lives under the influence of the flesh or the Spirit, their life will demonstrate that reigning power.

The virtues listed in this passage are the product of the Spirit, not human effort. The word “fruit” is singular, which could indicate that the fruit of the Spirit is unitary or that it is a collective noun.

It is not surprising that Paul mentions love at the head of the list, since it is the fountain from which all the other virtues flow. A Christian’s life is characterized by putting to death fleshly desires. This mortification is accomplished through the Spirit.

Taken from the NIV Grace & Truth Study Bible.