“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

Faith expressing itself through love can be obvious, but what about through the other fruits of the spirit: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?

God brings gifts into our lives much the same way fruit appears in an orchard. Things like affection for others, exuberance about life and serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and the conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, but able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we don’t just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.

So, what does this all look like?

Receive God’s love for you. When you embrace God’s extravagant love, your heart is freed up to love extravagantly. You are transformed from the inside out and discover more capacity, and more joy in loving others, but most importantly in loving yourself.

Joy comes from the freedom love provides. We can all look around and find something to celebrate.

Peace is not just the absence of conflict. Peace is when love prevails. Practice peace with others.

Patience: Just like fruit grows gradually, God works in God’s own time. When things are out of our control, it can feel discouraging but be patient with yourself and others as you live a faithful life. God will do great things in all of us.

Kindness: We all have opportunities to practice kindness.

Goodness: Live in the love of God and you will grow to love good things. In working for the good of others, we can have goodness in our lives. God is good.

Faithfulness: What does it mean to be full of faith in Jesus? I think this means to embrace possibilities and challenges with courage, faith and hope.

People often mistake gentleness as a sign of weakness, but to me it means being strong in the Spirit of God. Humility, patience and compassion go together with gentleness. It’s courteous and respectful. We can invite God to grow this fruit in our life.

Self-control: At times we feel out of control, but what about our actions and choices? Is there something we need to reign in, so we don’t hurt ourselves or others we love? How will self-control free you up to love and serve others?

A life rooted in God bears the fruits of the Spirit.

Written by Jennifer McCallum, MA, LPC-S, director of counseling for foster care and adoption counseling services for Buckner Children and Family Services.