In a previous post I discussed the gifts of the Holy Spirit: (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
- The word of wisdom
- The word of knowledge
- Faith
- The gift of healing
- Working of miracles
- The gift of prophecy
- Discerning of spirits
- Diverse kinds of tongues
- The interpretation of tongues
These are given to us when we are saved, however, the Holy Spirit doesn’t just give gifts. When we have the Holy Spirit within us, it also produces fruit. In Matthew 7:16, we are told we will know evil by their fruits. Well, we will also know those who have the Holy Spirit by their fruits.
According to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of the Holy Spirit are:
- love
- joy
- peace
- longsuffering (self-restraint and patience)
- gentleness
- goodness
- faith
- Meekness
- Temperance (moderation and self-control)
Unfortunately, the Spirit and the flesh war against each other. That’s why we aren’t perfect even after we’ve chosen Christ.
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17
The works of the flesh are these:
- Adultery
- fornication
- uncleanness
- lasciviousness
- Idolatry
- Witchcraft
- Hatred
- Variance (contention/strife)
- Emulations (superiority)
- Wrath
- Strife
- Seditions (rebellion)
- Heresies
- Envying
- Murders
- Drunkenness
- Revellings
“…and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21
The fruits of the Holy Spirit are reflected by those who have received the Holy Spirit. Christians receive the Holy Spirit the moment they are saved, but how is one saved?
- Believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, that He was resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins.
- Commit your life to Him.
Jesus saved us from hell by allowing Himself to be tortured and crucified on the cross. He bore the punishment for our sins so we don’t have to. Once we’re saved, we receive the Holy Spirit which will then reveal Himself in us. Many of us are at different stages in our walk with Jesus so we may not each reflect all of these gifts yet, but the more we read His Word, the closer we are to God, and the closer we are to God, the more fruits we will show.
“ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25