How Love, Joy, Peace, and More Can Transform Our Lives Today
Reflecting on Today’s Unruliness
Take a look around—whether it’s the news, social media, or even a trip to the grocery store, it often feels like the world is growing more chaotic and people are less patient with each other. Arguments flare up over small things, kindness sometimes seems in short supply, and it’s easy to wonder: Is there a better way to live together? For those of us who look to the Bible for guidance, the “fruits of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23 offer a hopeful path forward. These qualities, when lived out, can bring harmony and character to a world in need.
What Are the Fruits of the Spirit?
In simple terms, the fruits of the Spirit are nine qualities that naturally develop in people who follow Jesus as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives. They’re not just good habits or things we force ourselves to do—they’re evidence of God working in us. The Apostle Paul describes them in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Think of these as a cluster of spiritual “fruit” that grows from a close relationship with God.
The Nine Fruits—In Everyday Language
- Love: Caring for others, putting their needs before our own, and showing genuine concern.
- Joy: A deep sense of happiness and contentment that doesn’t depend on circumstances.
- Peace: Inner calm and trust, even when things around us are stressful or uncertain.
- Patience: The ability to wait, endure setbacks, or deal with difficult people without getting angry.
- Kindness: Treating everyone with warmth, generosity, and friendliness.
- Goodness: Doing what’s right and choosing to act with honesty and integrity.
- Faithfulness: Being reliable, trustworthy, and loyal—to people and to God.
- Gentleness: Responding to others with care, humility, and softness, not harshness or aggression.
- Self-Control: Managing our impulses, emotions, and desires—choosing what’s best over what’s easy.
How Do These Fruits Grow in Us?
Just like fruit doesn’t appear overnight, these qualities take time to develop. It starts with a relationship with God. When we spend time with Him—through prayer, reading the Bible, and being open to His guidance—the Holy Spirit works in our hearts. He changes us from the inside. But we also have a part to play, by choosing to act in line with God’s will and practicing these qualities day by day. Think of it like a garden: God plants the seeds, but we water and care for them through our choices and attitudes.
Contrasting the Fruits with the Acts of the Flesh
Before listing the fruits of the Spirit, Paul warns about the “acts of the flesh”—things like anger, jealousy, selfishness, and outbursts. These come naturally when we’re focused only on ourselves and what we want, without caring about God or others. The difference is clear: the acts of the flesh lead to conflict and brokenness, while the fruits of the Spirit create peace, joy, and lasting relationships. It’s not always easy to choose the fruit, but the results are worth it.
Putting the Fruits into Practice
So how do we live out these qualities every day? Start small. Smile at a stranger. Listen patiently to a friend. Forgive someone who’s wronged you. Pause before reacting in anger. When we make these choices, we’re not only growing the fruits of the Spirit in our own lives—we’re also blessing the people around us. Over time, these simple acts build strong character and loving communities, reflecting Jesus to the world.
Cultivating a Better World, One Fruit at a Time
In times of unruliness, the fruits of the Spirit shine brighter than ever. They’re not just ideals but practical tools for everyday life—ways to rise above the noise and bring hope to those around us. Let’s cherish these gifts, ask God to help us grow them, and encourage each other along the way. A world full of love, joy, peace, and all the rest is possible—one heart, one choice, one fruit at a time.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 