But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
(Galatians 5:22 NLT)
The characteristics listed in Galatians 5:22 are products of the Holy Spirit’s work in those who have submitted their lives to God.
Just as a tree bears fruit by means of God’s silent work, we can produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit when we surrender our lives to God. And when the Holy Spirit begins to produce this fruit in our lives, sin loses its power.
With joy and peace, we overcome the pain of our broken past. With love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness, we restore our broken relationships and make restitution. With patience, we persevere through difficult times. And with self-control, we stand fast when tempted.
When we surrender ourselves to God and let the Holy Spirit work through us, we are able to live fruitful lives in accordance with God’s plan for us.
"The fruit of the Spirit is not push, drive, climb, grasp and trample. Life is more than a climb to the top of the heap."
- Richard J. Foster