Background Information
The Bible is full of rich wisdom and teachings that have been guiding followers of the faith for thousands of years. The Bible speaks to us in some of the earliest known recorded language, and has been translated over time to support many languages and dialects. One of the most known teachings is the one that speaks to the Fruit of the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is a list of nine attributes that believers are called to embody – attributes that make up the essence of Christian living.
Love
The first attribute spoken to in the passages that discuss the Fruit of the Spirit is love. Galatians 5:22-23 reads “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.” This passage speaks to how showing kindness and acceptance beyond anything else is essential to living a life of Christian faith. To have love is to have a deep understanding of empathy and compassion and to put the needs of others before your own. Having love is to act consistently with the philosophies laid out by Jesus’ life and to live with those teachings in your heart.
Joy
Along with love, joy is also an attribute spoken to as a Fruit of the Spirit. When one is living a life of joy, they are not simply being lighthearted and happy, they are instead actively engaging with the world around them in a way that speaks to the abundance of life and love. The joy spoken to from the Christian faith requires one to look to the present moment with gratitude and to believe that everything will be taken care of by God. By living a life of joy, one is showing faith in God that no matter what happens, good or bad, their life will be taken care of, and that there is hope for the future.
Peace
Peace is another key attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit, and it speaks to the idea of being at ease, both mentally and physically. To create and maintain peace requires aligning with the teachings of Jesus’ life, acting with love and understanding, and to consciously be sending out blessings and goodwill to all people. Being at peace is being in a state of oneness and contentment, and a way to get there is to practice meditation and prayer.
Forbearance
Forbearance is being able to show patience and understanding when faced with inevitable difficulties. It is the ability to bear hardships with grace and humility, and to know that everything will pass in time. To practice forbearance is to have a deep faith in God, and to trust that all struggles come with a hidden lesson and a blessing.
Kindness
In order to practice a life full of Christian teachings, one needs to be kind to all people, no matter their circumstances. Being kind requires being willing to forgive those who do wrong, and to be an example of love and acceptance to the world around. Being kind is to practice acts of mercy, and when faced with daunting tasks, to help those around you and to spread good will.
Goodness
Goodness is an attribute that speaks to how one acts on a day-to-day basis. To be good is to live with integrity and honesty, and to be constantly looking to make the world around you a better place. Being good means to be consistent in your actions and to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Faithfulness
Within Christianity, faithfulness is an important attribute. To live a life of faithfulness is to be willing to believe that all of your actions are going to be taken care of by God. To live a life of faithfulness is to have faith that no matter how difficult the days may be, that the help will come from an unseen power.
Gentleness
The next attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. Gentleness is a way to show love and protection to both yourself and others. To practice gentleness is to not force or push too hard on matters, but instead to be willing to let go of the need to control. Being gentle is to have a sense of calmness in knowing that what will be, will be.
Self-Control
The last attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit is self-control. To have self-control is to practice restraint and to be willing to make decisions that are beneficial for your life and the lives of those around you. To have self-control is to be balanced in your daily actions, and to take the time to think through decisions with a clear head and a calm heart.
Relevance in Today’s Society
The teachings of the Fruit of the Spirit are relevant today, more than ever. In today’s society, it is easy to forget the values and teachings of faith-based religions, however, the Fruit of the Spirit are timeless and eternal. The nine attributes spoken to in the Bible are to be practiced in all areas of life, and serve as a reminder to stay open to the Divine, and to look towards the higher power with faith and peace.
Modern Representative Examples
There are many modern examples of people and brands that are putting forth a representation of the Fruit of the Spirit. From celebrities to ministries, these reps are living out a true example of what it means to be a Christian. Organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse are street-level advocates of the Fruit of the Spirit, and they actively practice kindness, gentleness, and self-control in their everyday actions and messages.
Application on a Personal Level
As an individual, it is important to actively work on living with all nine attributes spoken to in the Fruit of the Spirit. One way to do this is by actively being aware of how one’s words and actions are affecting the world around them. By weaving these attributes into everyday living, one can become an example and a leader of the faith. Additionally, looking to faith leaders and truly personalizing the message can be transformative and integral to incorporating these attributes into life.
Renewed Belief in the Fruit of the Spirit
In addition to all of this, it is also important to remember that even when it feels hard to embody these attributes, faith in the power of the Holy Spirit can help to renew and reinvigorate one’s belief in living with the Fruit of the Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit is eternal and all-encompassing and so by leaning into that power, any human will have all of the support they need in order to live a life rooted in Christian faith.
Societal Attitudes Towards the Fruit of the Spirit
Something else to consider when speaking on the Fruit of the Spirit is how these elements are viewed in different cultures and societies. In some cases, these teachings are misinterpreted and looked at as negative, which may cause an individual to doubt the power of these attributes. However, when looking to the original text, these Fruit can be seen as a part of the greater beauty of Christianity, and a way to fully embrace the power of the faith within.
Tools for Success Through the Fruit of the Spirit
In order to fully commit to living with the Fruit of the Spirit, it is important to have the right tools and resources in place. This can include prayer, meditation, and a consistent reading plan. Additionally, it is important to connect with a community of faith and to practice acts of kindness and mercy daily. These combined tools can help to bring one closer to the power of the Holy Spirit, and to make a lifestyle rooted in Christian faith.
Looking Towards the Future
As Christian faith continues to grow, there will no doubt be a renewed focus on the teachings of the Fruit of the Spirit. It is an exciting time to be a believer and to be able to have a full understanding of the strength of these nine attributes. By living a life of faith, hope, and love, one can always look to the future with optimism, knowing that day after day, the power of the Holy Spirit will uphold them and keep them safe.
