The Fruit of the Spirit

Many Christians quote “you will know them by their fruit,” but few stop to define what fruit actually is. The Bible does that for us in Galatians 5:22-23. If someone is going to make a judgment about another person’s fruit, it is reasonable to ask:

“Which fruit are you referring to—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control?”

That question brings the discussion back to Scripture instead of opinions.

It can also be helpful to point out that fruit is not the same as:

• Personality

• Preferences

• Education

• eBible knowledge

• Spiritual gifts

• Church position

• A single success or failure

Fruit is the character that the Holy Spirit produces in a person’s life and you asked, “Which fruit are you referring to?” and they could not identify any of the fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, then they may have been using the word fruit in a vague way rather than in the way Scripture defines it.

A simple response could be:

“I’m not trying to be difficult. I’m asking a biblical question. When you say you know them by their fruit, which fruit are you talking about? Love? Joy? Peace? Patience? Kindness? Goodness? Faithfulness? Gentleness? Self-control? If we don’t identify the fruit, how can we know what we’re evaluating?”

There are people that will say that you “know them by their fruits” and they are often referring to Matthew 7:16-20 when actually those scriptures are answering verse 15. These scriptures are speaking about false prophets. And one more observation: in Matthew 7, Jesus doesn’t say, “You will know them by one fruit.” He says, “by their fruits” (plural). That suggests a pattern of evidence, not a single observation. That fits very well with Paul’s description of the Spirit’s fruit in Galatians 5. Verse 17 in Matthew I believe is connected to Galatians.

In this passage, Jesus is warning about false prophets. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing…” (Matthew 7:15)

The emphasis is on identifying whether a teacher is genuine or false by the overall results of their life and ministry. Jesus is saying that what someone consistently produces will eventually reveal what they really are.

The “fruit” here is BROADER than the nine fruit of the Spirit. It can include:

• Character

• Conduct

• Teaching

• Influence on others

• Obedience to God

The context is discernment regarding spiritual leaders and teachers. Different from what’s being said in Galatians! The definitions of the Fruit that’s in Galatians 5:22-23

1. Love (Agape)

Definition: Selfless, sacrificial concern for the good of others, regardless of whether they deserve it.

Example: Choosing to act for someone’s good even when they have hurt or offended you. Scripture: John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

2. Joy

Definition: A deep gladness and confidence in God that is not dependent on circumstances.

Example: Maintaining hope and gratitude even during difficult times. Scripture: John 15:11; Philippians 4:4

3. Peace

Definition: Inner rest and confidence that come from trusting God.

Example: Remaining calm and trusting God when life is uncertain. Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27

4. Patience (Longsuffering)

Definition: The ability to endure difficulties, delays, or difficult people without becoming angry or giving up.

Example: Showing grace toward someone who repeatedly frustrates you. Scripture: Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12-13

5. Kindness

Definition: A gentle and caring attitude expressed through helpful actions and words.

Example: Treating people with compassion and consideration. Scripture: Ephesians 4:32; Titus 3:4-5

6. Goodness

Definition: Moral integrity that actively seeks to do what is right.

Example: Choosing honesty and righteousness even when it is difficult. Scripture: Romans 12:9; Ephesians 5:8-10

7. Faithfulness

Definition: Dependability, loyalty, and steadfast commitment to God and others.

Example: Keeping your word and remaining faithful to God’s truth. Scripture: Matthew 25:21; Lamentations 3:22-2

8. Gentleness (Meekness)

Definition: Strength under control; humility expressed in the way we treat others.

Example: Correcting someone without harshness or pride. Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:24-25; Matthew 11:29

9. Self-Control

Definition: The Spirit-enabled ability to govern one’s desires, emotions, words, and actions.

Example: Resisting temptation, controlling anger, or choosing wise speech. Scripture: Proverbs 25:28; 1 Corinthians 9:25

Notice that these fruits describe character, not gifts, talents, knowledge, or opinions.