The Fruit of the Spirit

Imagine biting into the juiciest, sweetest piece of fruit you’ve ever had. That’s what life looks like when the Spirit is in control—it’s vibrant, refreshing, and full of flavor. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t about trying harder to be a better person. It’s about staying connected to the source, like a branch to a vine (John 15:5). When you let the Holy Spirit work in your life, these qualities naturally start to grow.

Love means showing care for people even when they don’t deserve it. Joy is deeper than happiness—it’s unshakable, even in hard times. Peace keeps you steady when everything around you is falling apart. Each fruit is evidence of God’s transformative work in your life.

But here’s the thing: fruit takes time to grow. If you don’t see immediate results, don’t get discouraged. The Spirit is always working behind the scenes, pruning and cultivating so that your life reflects Jesus more and more.

In Paul’s time, the Galatians were surrounded by legalism. The Jewish leaders were focused on following rules, but they were missing the heart of the matter: transformation from the inside out. Paul’s message reminded them that true righteousness isn’t about external behavior; it’s about internal change that only the Spirit can produce.

Which “fruit” do you struggle with the most—love, patience, self-control? Write it down and pray specifically for the Holy Spirit to grow that in you this week. Then look for opportunities to practice it, even in small ways.