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The Fruit of the Spirit

 Submitted: 9/9/2004
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Question: Please explain Galatians 5:22-23. I want to use this topic for a missionary group on Saturday, 9/11. Can you help me?
Answer: In his dictionary of New Testament words, W. E. Vine describes the fruit of the Spirit as “the visible expression of power working inwardly and invisibly, the character of the fruit being evidence of the character of the power producing it. As the visible expressions of hidden lusts are the works of the flesh, so the invisible power of the Holy Spirit in those who are brought into living union with Christ produces ‘the fruit of the Spirit.’”

When a person receives the Holy Spirit, that person receives a spiritual seed implanted in his or her heart. If that seed is allowed to grow, it will eventually bring forth the traits which Paul called “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit represents the characteristics of Jesus. It is God’s purpose that every believer be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). These qualities can be formed to a limited degree through mere human character development. But only the Holy Spirit, the indwelling presence of Jesus, can cause all nine traits to come forth in harmonious and glorious fulness.


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