In Galatians 5:22-23, the Bible lists 9 characteristics that they call the fruit of the spirit. Using the NIV, I have found an easy way to remember these. They are listed in an easy order, 3 sets of 3, each with an increased number of syllables.
The first set, with 1 syllable: love, joy peace
The second with 2 syllables: patience, kindness, goodness
The last with 3 syllables: faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
A couple other thoughts on this short passage and concept of the fruit of the Spirit. People can often get this backwords, thinking that if they work hard at showing these characteristics, they will gain the Holy Spirt. In reality, these things are the fruit of the Spirit, just as an apple is the fruit of an apple tree. If you have the Spirit, this fruit will grow in you. It may appear first, as a bud, then maybe an unripe fruit, but will eventually grow into a ripe, delicious fruit that others will enjoy.
1 comment:
you nailed the truth on this one. the fruit of the SPIRIT is the evidence of GOD's presence in a believer's heart.
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