THE 9 FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

01. LOVE
In Galatians 5:22-23, Love is translated from the Greek word ἀγάπη, (Agape). Greek has multiple words for Love including eros, which is sexual Love and philos, which is brotherly Love. Agape’ is perfect Love that only God can give.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my Love. If you keep my commands, 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 15:9-11)

02. JOY
Joy in this passage is χαρά. Chara is often translated joy or delight. It often is seen in the Bible with gladness. It is the realization of God’s favor and grace in one’s life. Biblical joy is happiness that is not dependent on our circumstances. Paul encourages us to:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance...” (James 1:1-2)

03. PEACE
The Biblical concept of peace, εἰρήνη (eirene) in Greek, is inclusive of life without conflict, as well as wholeness and harmony with God and others. A life of peace is safe and secure both physically and mentally. Peace is a result of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and minds. When we have peace, we are from fear and worry about finances, our safety, our salvation, and our eternal life. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is seen in the peace that comes even when our circumstances are far from tranquil. Jesus encouraged his followers in John 16:33:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart.! I have overcome the world...”

04. FORBEARANCE
Forbearance μακροθυμία (makrothumia) is not a word that most of us commonly use. The Greek word in Galatians 5:22-23 is often translated using other words such as patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance, longsuffering, and slowness in avenging wrongs. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to withstand challenging situations with perseverance and endurance. Ephesians 4:1-2 encourages us to:
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in Love...”

05. KINDNESS
Kindness χρηστότης (chréstotés) conveys the meaning of moral goodness, integrity, usefulness, and benignity. In the King James Version this word is translated as “Gentleness,” which links it to the meaning of a gentleman or a gentlewoman, someone who behaved properly, with moral integrity and kindness. Romans 2:4 reminds us that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance not judgment. The Holy Spirit enables us to have moral integrity with kindness and not get trapped in self-righteousness or judgment.

06. GOODNESS
Goodness ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) means uprightness of heart and life, goodness, and kindness. Goodness is seen in our actions. This word relates to not only being good, but also doing good things. The Contemporary English Version of 2 Thessalonians 1:11 highlights this meaning,
“We pray for God's power to help us do all the good things we hope to do and our faith makes us want to do...” Through the Holy Spirit's work in Christians' lives, they are upright in heart, and they do good things.

07. FAITHFULNESS
Faithfulness πίστις (pistis) is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. Faithfulness is a character trait that combines dependability and trust based on our confidence in God and His eternal faithfulness. In the New Testament, faith is the belief in God and the conviction that Jesus is the Messiah through whom we obtain eternal salvation.
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith...” (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

08. GENTLENESS
Gentleness πρᾳΰτης (prautes) was translated “meekness” in the King James Version, but because being meek seemed weak, modern translations of the Bible use gentleness to mean mildness of disposition. Jesus describes himself as gentle in Matthew 11:29:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls...”

09. SELF-CONTROL
Self-control ἐγκράτεια (egkrateia) is ability to control one’s body and its sensual appetites and desires physically and mentally through the power of the Holy Spirit. Self-control relates to both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking. Self-control is the opposite of the works of the flesh that indulge sensual desires. As Galatians 5:16 says:
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want...”