Week #3: The Fruit of the Spirit as a Measure of Sanctification

Theology Thursdays

Apr 18

Blog Series Intention Recap

Many of us long for a fresh start. Our work, home life, or hobbies can feel stale. In our relationship with God, we may have fallen into what some have called “practical atheism,” as we believe but fail to live out that belief in our everyday life. This four-week series inspires us to move from practical atheism to a flourishing faith that informs every aspect of our public and private lives, as we rediscover our most basic sanctification practices.

This post is a part of the series “Same Old Me.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

The fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5 reflects our growth in sanctification, showing how we become more like Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Why it matters:

Understanding the Fruit: The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit helps us grow these qualities in our lives.
Signs of Growth: As these qualities develop, they show our spiritual growth and sanctification.
Daily Life Application: Living by the Spirit means showing these qualities in our everyday actions and relationships.

Go Deeper

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. These are qualities that the Holy Spirit grows in us as we follow Jesus. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities show our growth in sanctification, which means becoming more like Jesus. Let’s explore how the fruit of the Spirit reflects our spiritual growth and how we can live by these qualities every day.

Understanding the Fruit

The fruit of the Spirit are special qualities that show we are growing in our faith. Here is what each one means:

Love: Caring deeply for others and putting their needs before our own.
Joy: Feeling happy and content because of our relationship with God.
Peace: Being calm and trusting God, even in difficult times.
Patience: Waiting calmly and not getting angry or upset easily.
Kindness: Being friendly, generous, and considerate to others.
Goodness: Doing what is right and showing moral integrity.
Faithfulness: Being loyal and trustworthy.
Gentleness: Being kind and careful in our actions and words.
Self-Control: Being able to control our desires and actions.

They are called fruit because they grow in our lives like fruit grows on a tree. Just as a tree needs water and sunlight to produce fruit, we need the Holy Spirit to produce these qualities in us. The fruit of the Spirit shows that we are living in a way that pleases God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit lives in us when we accept Jesus as our Savior. The Holy Spirit helps us understand the Bible, guides us in our decisions, and gives us strength to do what is right. The Holy Spirit also helps us grow the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus. The Holy Spirit is important for sanctification because we cannot become like Jesus on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to help us grow the fruit of the Spirit. As these qualities grow, they show that we are becoming more like Jesus.

How Do We Know We Are Growing?

We know we are growing in our faith when we see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Here are some signs of growth:

We care more about others and want to help them. We feel happier and more content, even when things are tough. We worry less and trust God more. We are calmer and do not get upset as easily. We are friendlier and more generous to others. We do what is right and make good choices. We are reliable and trustworthy. We are careful with our words and actions. We can control our desires and actions better.

Growth in the fruit of the Spirit happens over time. It is not instant. Just like a tree takes time to grow fruit, we take time to grow these qualities. The important thing is to keep growing and not give up.

Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, showed growth in the fruit of the Spirit. At first, Peter was impulsive and sometimes made mistakes. But over time, he became a strong leader who showed love, patience, and self-control. His life showed that the Holy Spirit was at work in him, helping him grow in sanctification.

In the movie "Evan Almighty," there's a significant scene between God (played by Morgan Freeman) and Evan's wife, Joan (played by Lauren Graham). Joan is feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about her husband Evan's seemingly irrational behavior as he builds an ark, believing he is following a divine command.

In this scene, Joan is sitting alone in the restaurant, troubled and confused. God, appearing as a friendly waiter, approaches her and starts a conversation. He reassures her that her husband's actions have a purpose, even if they seem strange. He explains that God answers prayers by giving people opportunities to grow and show love, rather than granting immediate, miraculous changes. If they pray for patience, instead of patience, He gives them opportunities to be patient.

God uses the metaphor of asking for patience, courage, or a closer family to illustrate that these qualities are developed through challenges. He gently encourages Joan to support Evan, emphasizing that acts of random kindness can lead to significant positive change. The scene is a turning point for Joan, providing her with the understanding and faith needed to stand by her husband during his divine mission.

Daily Life Application

Like Joan and Peter, as the Fruit of the Spirit grows, we get the opportunities to grow. Living by the Spirit means letting the Holy Spirit guide our actions and decisions every day. It means showing the fruit of the Spirit in how we treat others and how we handle situations.

Practical Ways to Show the Fruit of the Spirit:

Love: Help a friend in need, show kindness to a stranger, or forgive someone who hurt you.
Joy: Thank God for your blessings, smile, and share positive words with others.
Peace: Pray when you feel worried, and trust God with your problems.
Patience: Wait your turn without complaining, or be understanding when someone makes a mistake.
Kindness: Do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return.
Goodness: Make a choice that pleases God, even if it is hard.
Faithfulness: Keep your promises and be dependable.
Gentleness: Speak kindly to others and handle conflicts calmly.
Self-Control: Resist the temptation to do something wrong and make good choices.

Living by the Spirit is not always easy. We may face challenges and temptations. But God helps us through the Holy Spirit. When we pray and ask for help, God gives us the strength and wisdom we need.

Paul faced many challenges, but he showed the fruit of the Spirit in his life. Even when he was in prison, he showed joy and peace. He trusted God and continued to help others. His life showed that the Holy Spirit was at work, helping him grow in sanctification.

How does this help me understand the “Same Old Me?”

The fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5 is a clear sign of our spiritual growth and sanctification. These qualities—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—reflect the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we follow Jesus and live by the Spirit, we grow in these qualities and become more like Him. This growth is a journey that happens over time, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can show these qualities in our daily lives. Let’s commit to living by the Spirit, allowing God to work in us and through us, and showing the fruit of the Spirit in all we do.