But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Glorious contrast! "But the fruit of the Spirit" (ho de karpos tou pneumatos estin, ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν)—note singular "fruit" versus plural "works" of flesh. The Spirit produces unified, organic fruit, not mechanical works. This fruit is the Spirit's production in believers. "Love" (agapē, ἀγάπη)—self-giving love, the essence of God's nature (1 John 4:8). First and foundational: all other fruit flows from love. "Joy" (chara, χαρά)—gladness, delight, independent of circumstances.
"Peace" (eirēnē, εἰρήνη)—tranquility, harmony, wholeness, reconciliation with God and others. "Longsuffering" (makrothymia, μακροθυμία)—patience, long-tempered forbearance, slowness to anger. "Gentleness" (chrēstotēs, χρηστότης)—kindness, benevolence, generosity. "Goodness" (agathōsynē, ἀγαθωσύνη)—moral excellence, uprightness, generosity. "Faith" (pistis, πίστις)—faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness (though could mean faith in God). Each quality reflects Christ's character. This is Spirit-produced Christ-likeness.
Historical Context
This fruit-list contrasts sharply with the vice-list, showing the transformative power of the indwelling Spirit. Ancient moral philosophy (Stoicism, Epicureanism) sought these virtues through human effort and discipline. Paul insists they're supernaturally produced by the Spirit in those united to Christ. You can't manufacture this fruit through willpower or law-keeping—only the Spirit creates it. This is sanctification's progressive nature: the Spirit increasingly produces His fruit in believers who walk by faith. The fruit is evidence of genuine salvation and Spirit-presence.
Questions for Reflection
Which specific fruit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith—is most lacking in your current Spirit-walk?
Paul lists nine virtues as singular 'fruit' not plural 'fruits'—why does the Spirit produce a unified character package rather than piecemeal virtues?
Where are you trying to manufacture spiritual fruit through self-effort instead of walking in dependence on the Spirit?
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Analysis & Commentary
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Glorious contrast! "But the fruit of the Spirit" (ho de karpos tou pneumatos estin, ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν)—note singular "fruit" versus plural "works" of flesh. The Spirit produces unified, organic fruit, not mechanical works. This fruit is the Spirit's production in believers. "Love" (agapē, ἀγάπη)—self-giving love, the essence of God's nature (1 John 4:8). First and foundational: all other fruit flows from love. "Joy" (chara, χαρά)—gladness, delight, independent of circumstances.
"Peace" (eirēnē, εἰρήνη)—tranquility, harmony, wholeness, reconciliation with God and others. "Longsuffering" (makrothymia, μακροθυμία)—patience, long-tempered forbearance, slowness to anger. "Gentleness" (chrēstotēs, χρηστότης)—kindness, benevolence, generosity. "Goodness" (agathōsynē, ἀγαθωσύνη)—moral excellence, uprightness, generosity. "Faith" (pistis, πίστις)—faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness (though could mean faith in God). Each quality reflects Christ's character. This is Spirit-produced Christ-likeness.