The fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-24) contrasts with the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). How did God bring about the change in a Christian’s life that results in him experiencing the fruit of the Spirit?

• Origin of the experience (Gal 5:22a)

This transformation is from the inside out. There is a complete change in our nature. It is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is in us the moment we are truly born again in Christ. Over time, as God’s Word takes root in us, we mature as Christians and the fruit of the Spirit is seen in us. Note that the word used is the singular “fruit” to show that it is one fruit. Every believer has this one fruit, with all the elements listed.

• Nature of the experience (Gal 5:22b-23)

Love: This refers to agape love. It is unconditional, practical, sacrificial love. God gives us this love to protect us from sinning against people who are unkind to us. With this love, we can show goodness and kindness, without animosity, to them. Thus, we can maintain our Christian testimony.

Joy: Before conversion, our joy was a carnal, earthly, fleshly joy. This joy here is based on our intimate relationship with God. It is not affected by external circumstances. Another word for this joy is “blessing.”

Peace: This is real, genuine peace. We can be ourselves, without putting on a façade. We can be open with our believing spouse and our brethren, sharing our struggles, accepting rebukes positively.

Longsuffering: This is to be very patient with difficult people in our lives.

Gentleness: This is to be tender and kind-hearted towards others.

Goodness: This is when we benefit others in practical ways, giving of our substance, time and energy to help others, without expecting anything in return.

Faith: As we know more of God’s Word, our faith will grow, and we will grow in our obedience of God.

Meekness: This is to be humble, teachable, and correctable, giving glory to God.

Temperance: This is self-control, not coming under the power of anything.

All these nine elements are communicable attributes of God. This is how God treats us. The fruit of the Spirit makes us more Christlike.

• Basis of the experience (Gal 5:24)

The basis is the finished work of Christ on Calvary when He atoned for our sins. Our sinful nature is crucified. Our flesh, however, is still weak and we can still fall into sin. But once we have this Christ-nature in us, it is in us forever.