Fruit of the Spirit
In the book of Galatians, it is talked about how the flesh is against the spirit. There is a constant battle between the two of them. It is written in Galatians 5:16, that we should walk in the spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
To walk in the spirit is to be like Christ. We need to have the same characteristics of Christ that he continues to show in us each day. It does say in scripture the “Fruit” of the spirit but there are 9 in total. So, why isn’t it called The Fruits of the Spirit? Because all 9 come from one, which is Christ. The fruit of the spirit is: love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patient), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness (humble), and temperance (moderation).
As followers of Christ, we need to examine ourselves to see if we are showing those same attributes. When my wife and I went over this with our children, The Father led me to have our three eldest children to go over the fruit of the spirit and find scriptures related to each fruit. For the younger children, they drew a fruit (apple, orange, banana), and labeled it either joy, peace, or any of the other attributes. It’s a fun activity for the little ones and a great way for the older children to learn how to navigate the Bible.
Nick: meekness, joy, goodness
Meekness: (Col 3:12) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Goodness: (Psa 23:6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Joy: (Php 4:4) Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Malachi: longsuffering, gentleness, love
Love: (1Jn 4:16) And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Longsuffering: (Col 1:11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Gentleness: (Gal 6:1) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Makaylah: faith, temperance, peace
Faith: (Eph 6:23) Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace: (Psa 120:7) I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
Temperance: (2Pe 1:6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
