What Are the Fruits of the Spirit?
What Are the Fruits of the Spirit? The fruits of the Spirit are nine character qualities — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance — produced in believers by the Holy Spirit.
Key verse: Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
The fruits of the Spirit are nine character qualities — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance — produced in believers by the Holy Spirit.
The fruits of the Spirit are nine character qualities — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance — produced in believers by the Holy Spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." — Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
Meaning
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In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Galatians 5:22-23 lists them: 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.' These are not human achievements but supernatural produce of the Spirit's indwelling. Paul contrasts them with 'the works of the flesh' (Galatians 5:19-21) — adultery, hatred, strife, envyings. The singular 'fruit' suggests these qualities form a unified cluster, not a menu to pick from. Love heads the list because 'God is love' (1 John 4:8) and love fulfills the law (Romans 13:10). Joy is not circumstantial happiness but deep gladness rooted in God (Philippians 4:4). Peace surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Longsuffering is patient endurance. Gentleness and goodness reflect God's character. Faith here means faithfulness and reliability. Meekness is strength under control. Temperance is self-discipline. Jesus said, 'By their fruits ye shall know them' (Matthew 7:20). The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of genuine salvation and spiritual maturity.
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Key Scripture References
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
"He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible teaches that God is love, that He demonstrated love by sending His Son, and that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment.
What Does the Bible Say About Joy?
Biblical joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep, abiding gladness rooted in God's character, promises, and presence.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
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The answer above sits inside Galatians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Galatians on day 320 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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