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The Apostle Paul describes “the fruit of the Spirit” as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23 NASB). These qualities reflect God’s character and the behavior of those living according to God’s Spirit.
When we participate with God, we’re like new branches that are grafted into a living vine, which begin to yield the fruit of that vine (see John 15:1-11). So if God is loving, patient, and always emanating peace, then as we participate with God, we will bear that same spiritual fruit, like love, patience, and peace.
We can better understand the nature and purpose of these spiritual fruits by exploring their source and the nuanced way they connect with other parts of Scripture.
