The 9 Fruits of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
— Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
The Fruits of the Spirit are nine attributes of a person living in accordance with the Holy Spirit. They're not things we produce through willpower — they're the natural result of God's Spirit working in us as we walk with Him daily.
1. Love
Greek: Agapē
Unconditional, selfless love that puts others first. Not just a feeling, but a deliberate choice to seek the best for others regardless of how they treat you.
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God. — 1 John 4:7
2. Joy
Greek: Chara
A deep, abiding gladness that isn't dependent on circumstances. It comes from knowing God and trusting His plan, even in difficult seasons.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. — Philippians 4:4
3. Peace
Greek: Eirēnē
Inner tranquility and harmony with God and others. Not the absence of conflict, but a settled confidence that God is in control.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. — Isaiah 26:3
4. Longsuffering
Greek: Makrothymia
Patience under provocation. The ability to endure difficult people and situations without retaliating, trusting God's timing.
The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy. — Numbers 14:18
5. Gentleness
Greek: Chrēstotēs
Kindness in action — treating others with tenderness, generosity, and consideration. Showing goodness even when it's not expected.
Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted. — Ephesians 4:32
6. Goodness
Greek: Agathōsynē
Moral excellence that naturally expresses itself in doing what is right and beneficial. It's integrity lived out.
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. — Psalm 145:9
7. Faith
Greek: Pistis
Faithful reliability and trustworthiness. Being someone others can count on because your word matches your actions.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. — Hebrews 11:1
8. Meekness
Greek: Prautēs
Strength under control. Not weakness, but power harnessed by humility. Submitting your strength to God's direction.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. — Matthew 5:5
9. Temperance
Greek: Enkrateia
Self-control — mastery over desires, impulses, and passions. The ability to say no to what harms and yes to what heals.
He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city. — Proverbs 16:32