Holy Spirit, Fruit of
The fruit of the Spirit is the Christlike character the Holy Spirit produces in believers. Paul lists these qualities in Galatians 5:22–23.
At a Glance
The fruit of the Spirit is the Christlike character the Holy Spirit produces in believers. Paul lists these qualities in Galatians 5:22–23.
Description
The fruit of the Spirit is Paul’s term for the visible character produced by the Holy Spirit in believers, especially as described in Galatians 5:22–23. In contrast to the “works of the flesh,” these qualities—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—describe a life being shaped toward Christlike obedience. Scripture presents this fruit as the result of abiding in Christ and walking by the Spirit, not merely of human effort, though believers are also called to live in step with the Spirit. Interpreters differ on whether the list should be taken as a single unified “fruit” with many aspects or as a cluster of virtues, but the safest conclusion is that Paul is describing the Spirit-produced character that ought to mark the Christian life.