In Galatians 5:22&23 the Apostle Paul lists nine fruits of the spirit. These fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These fruits of the spirit are the virtues that are and should be produced in every Christ-follower.
These nine gifts are important not only to show evidence of a Christ-centered life but also are uniquely important internally, externally and in the church. These nine gifts may be looked at as three groups of three (3 X 3 = 9) and while all of the gifts are in sharp contrast to the behavior and attitudes of those that are self-centered and self-directed, they can also be seen appropriately as three different crops or groups:
Fruits 1-3 (Love, Joy & Peace): Internally Directed Fruits
These three fruits produce great benefits within the believer. Love is said to fulfill the law. Joy is needed when we experience difficult times and trials. Peace is the demonstration of the serenity of God and provides the tranquility and internal presence that allows us to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Fruits 4-6 (Patience, Kindness & Goodness): Externally Directed Fruits
These three fruits provide great benefit in dealing with others. Patience is that value that embraces time and allows it to be used wisely in dealing and being tolerant of others. Kindness is putting on God’s love and offering His grace and mercy to others. Goodness is the ethical quality of moral excellence that keeps the believer from reproach and provides a Christ-like reputation in the community.
Fruits 7-9 (Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self-control): Church Directed Fruits
These last three gifts, while so valuable in the life of the believer, are particularly the fruits that need to be cultivated for the benefit of the local church. Faithfulness is a virtue that is necessary in the careful stewardship of God’s resources. Local churches rise or fall based on the stewardship of resources that have been made provided for ministry. Gentleness is the wonderful combination of strength and meekness; and church leaders need gentleness to allow correction to be received and applied. Self-control may be the last but possibly the most important. While extremely beneficial for the individual, self-control checks and brings under control those particular behaviors that often divide, and ultimately lead to the sin of arrogance and divisiveness that will destroy the work of God in the local church.
