In Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT), we read:
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
The “fruit” Paul writes about isn’t something we can grow on our own. It’s the natural outflow of a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. When we belong to Jesus, the Spirit takes up residence in us, shaping our character, influencing our words and actions, and making us more like Christ.
The Fruit of the Spirit matters because it’s evidence of God’s work in our lives. It changes how we see the world, how we treat others, and how we walk through life’s challenges. Let’s look at each fruit and what it means for us as believers.
The Nine Fruits and How They Shape Us
Love
Love is the foundation for all the other fruit. It’s more than a feeling. It’s an intentional choice to put others first and seek their good. It teaches us to forgive quickly, to give generously, and to reflect God’s heart to a hurting world.
Joy
Joy isn’t tied to our circumstances but to our Savior. It’s a deep gladness that comes from knowing God is with us and for us, no matter what life looks like.
Peace
God’s peace stills the storms within us. It’s a calm assurance that comes from knowing He is in control and we can trust His plan.
Patience
Patience helps us endure without grumbling. It means trusting God’s timing, even when we don’t understand the delays.
Kindness
Kindness is love in action…being empathetic, thoughtful, compassionate, and ready to help others without expecting anything in return.
Goodness
Goodness is choosing what’s right and honorable, even when it’s not easy. It means living with integrity and letting God’s truth guide our decisions.
Faithfulness
Faithfulness is being dependable, trustworthy, and steady…both to God and to others. It reflects God’s unwavering faithfulness to us.
Gentleness
Gentleness is strength under control. It’s choosing to respond with grace instead of harshness, even when provoked.
Self-Control
Self-Control is the ability to resist temptation, control our words/actions, control our impulses, and stay aligned with God’s ways.
Teaching the Fruit to Our Children
As much as these fruits shape our own lives, they are also powerful truths we can pass on to our children. In my Fruity Friends book series, each of the nine characters brings a Fruit of the Spirit to life in a way kids can understand and remember. Here’s a few examples of the teachings:
- Stella Strawberry: Fruit of Love – teaching children to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind.
- Priscilla Pineapple: Fruit of Joy – depicting how joy comes from Jesus and no one or nothing can take that away.
- Willy Watermelon: Fruit of Peace – reminding them not to be troubled or afraid, because God gives lasting peace.
- Leo Lemon: Fruit of Patience – encouraging them to let God grow patience in their hearts.
- Gabriel Grape: Fruit of Kindness – showing how kindness can change us and those around us.
Through playful rhymes and relatable situations, these stories help children see that the Holy Spirit’s fruit is not just a “Bible lesson,” but a way of life, one that fills them with joy, strengthens their character, and deepens their trust in God.
Why the Fruit Matters for Everyone
The Holy Spirit isn’t just our guide. He’s our comforter, our teacher, and the One who prepares us for every good work God calls us to. Whether we’re a child learning kindness for the first time, or an adult trying to be more patient in a difficult season, the Spirit’s fruit grows us, challenges us, and draws us closer to Jesus.
So, let’s welcome His work in our lives. Let’s pray for love that forgives, joy that lasts, peace that steadies, patience that waits well, kindness that blesses, goodness that stands firm, faithfulness that perseveres, gentleness that restores, and self-control that protects our witness.
Thank you, Jesus, and praise You for Your work through the Holy Spirit!
To explore more about teaching children the Fruit of the Spirit through fun, faith-filled teaching stories, visit www.thefruityfriends.com.