What about the Fruit of the Holy Spirit?

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. Apostle Paul teaches, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). The fruit of the Holy Spirit is a biblical term that sums up nine attributes of a person keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. How do we know? Paul tells us, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:24-25). When I say, “keeping in step with the Holy Spirit” I mean that Christians, having received the Holy Spirit, should actively allow Him to guide their lives, rather than being controlled by their own desires or the flesh. Keep in mind, this walking by the Spirit is a lifestyle and doesn’t happen overnight. The fruit of the Spirit are godly attributes that are produced in our lives as we follow the Spirit and yield to His desires. Simply put, the Spirit influences us to want to obey God’s principles in specific situations, and the more we choose to obey, the more these godly traits manifest in our lives. We must never make the mistake of thinking that we can follow the Spirit’s lead on our own. It requires a conscious choice on our part to surrender to Him, but the power does not come from us. We need to acknowledge our daily need for God and maintain fellowship with Him. We read, “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). Notice the words, “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” These words acknowledge our daily need for God and His power as we choose to surrender to Him and thus to keep in step with the Holy Spirit! Brothers and sister, be encouraged!