General News
1 March, 2026
In good faith
In the Book of Galatians, chapter five, the apostle Paul wrote something that probably seemed revolutionary to many people in his time, and would probably be equally revolutionary to many people today.
He wrote: “... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Although the apostle was writing to people in ancient times, in many ways, the conditions of society then were very similar to the conditions of our own society. However, the fruit of the spirit reflects ideas that are often foreign to such worldly qualities.
So, what do we know of the “fruit of the spirit?” Well, first of all, we note that they are one fruit, not many fruits.
They are collectively the outward expression of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
We also know that they are qualities that do not naturally reflect the world around us. Rather, they reflect the qualities of Christ who came to serve, and they equip us to do the same.
Love, the first on the list, can be defined as a selfless, unconditional commitment to care deeply for others, reflecting God’s perfect love.
Love is often a very misunderstood quality. People often think of it as an instinct or a feeling which comes and goes like the tide.
In reality, however, love is a conscious choice. We love someone because we choose to love them.
While there are different ways in which love can be expressed, regardless of the type of love, its expression is always by choice, following Jesus’ example of loving all, regardless of their backgrounds.
Joy is a deep, enduring sense of gladness and contentment that comes from trusting God.
Even during hard times, as the apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances … I can do all this through Him [Christ] who gives me strength”.
Peace is a calm, steady assurance in your heart that remains firm despite life’s challenges.
The peace of the Christian is in the assurance of knowing that our every need in this life is cared for and that no matter what may be the outcome of our existence in this chaotic world, we know that we are assured an eternity in Heaven when our time here is over.
Patience is the ability to endure difficult situations and delays without frustration or anger. Let's be honest.
This is difficult for many people. Patience is what controls our responses to difficult situations.
It is what keeps those undesirable responses in check. Even when frustration tells us that we should act, albeit often hastily, we still trust in God's timeline and that He knows what is best for our needs.
Kindness is showing genuine care and compassion through thoughtful and generous actions.
It reflects the kindness of Jesus during his time on Earth.
Goodness is consistently choosing to do what is morally right and honourable in all circumstances.
This is another difficult one for many people.
Through the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we do what we know is right, not because we have to but because we want to.
Faithfulness is loyal reliability and trustworthiness grounded in God’s unwavering faith.
We are faithful to God as well as to those who depend upon us.
Gentleness is a humble attitude that approaches others with care and respect. It shows compassion and humility towards those in need when the world turns its back on them.
Self-control is the discipline to manage impulses and desires and to live wisely and responsibly. It is quite simply again doing the right thing.
As Christians, the fruit of the Spirit forms the attributes that we need to do good in the world as we follow the example of Christ in caring for others in whatever way He may lead us.