Notice the 9 words describing a cluster of fruit. Not different kinds of fruits (apples, bananas, oranges, etc), but fruit of one kind: Christ-like character. This fruit is the expected evidence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all believers. (Jn. 15:4-5; Gal. 5:22-23)
Fruit of the Spirit is Different than the Gifts of the Spirit
We have different gifts. God distributes the different gifts to His children and places them in the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:18). We do not all have the same gift.
We do have the same Fruit of the Spirit. This fruit is not optional. We can not select one and ignore the other saying: “God did not give me peace but He gave me self-control.” Wrong! It is expected that all of these elements of the character of God will be on display in the lives of God’s children as they walk in the Spirit.
God’s Spirit Changes Us — From the Inside Out
When Jesus called us to follow Him, He said that He would change us : “I will make you…” (Matt. 4:19). Following Christ, walking in the Spirit, we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ. (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:29).
God is working in our lives changing us, giving evidence of His indwelling Life. God is working through our lives giving public evidence that we are His disciples (Jn. 15:8; 1 Jn. 3:14 ; 4:13).
As God changes us, from the inside out, Christlikeness is the result. The perfect demonstration of the Fruit of the Spirit is Christ Himself. And we are to be like Christ.
Are you cooperating with His working in your life? Jerry Bridges wrote:
“Christlikeness is God’s goal for all who trust in Christ,
and that should be our goal also.”
Pastor Al Gilbert 