Dictionary of Bible Themes: 3254 Holy Spirit, fruit of

3254 Holy Spirit, fruit of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

The living presence of the Holy Spirit in believers leads to Christlike virtues within them, just as a living tree will bear good fruit.

God expects his people to bear spiritual fruit

Isaiah 5:4 See also Matthew 7:12-20 “fruit” is a term used to indicate the produce or outcome of a person's life; John 15:8

The fruit of the Spirit leads to believers becoming Christlike

The gift of the Spirit begins this lifelong process

Christlike qualities are contrasted with sinful ones

The fruit of Spirit-filled living

Galatians 5:22-23 “fruit” is singular, emphasising that these qualities are mutually dependent aspects of Christian living. See also Ephesians 5:9

Examples of the fruit of the Spirit

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 10:13 God's faithfulness is also here presented as the reason for faithfulness; 3Jn 3

Gentleness

Matthew 11:29-30 Jesus Christ displays such gentleness; 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Self-control

Other evidence of the Holy Spirit's activity

Romans 14:17 righteousness

Hope:

The evidence of the fruit of the Spirit is a result of divine activity, not of human effort