In our walk with Christ, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between our crucified “old man” (Rom. 6:6) and our new identity in Him. This struggle is beautifully illustrated in the book of Galatians, where we’re introduced to a profound contrast: the “works of the flesh” versus the “fruit of the Spirit.”
As believers, we’ve been given a new life in Christ. The chains of the “old man” no longer bind us, yet we still grapple with the residual thinking patterns from our pre-salvation days. Understanding that we are not a house divided against ourselves is crucial. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), fully redeemed, yet still navigating the complexities of our earthly existence.
In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul provides a powerful framework for understanding this spiritual dichotomy. He presents two lists: the “works of the flesh” and the “fruit of the Spirit.” These lists are not mere suggestions or guidelines; they are divine instructions regarding the nature of our spiritual journey.
The works of the flesh, enumerated in Galatians 5:19-21, include such things as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lasciviousness. These represent the residual effects of the “old man,” the patterns of behavior and thought that characterized our lives before Christ. In contrast, the “fruit of the Spirit,” listed in verses 22-23, presents a radically different picture: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
It’s important to note the singular nature of the “fruit” of the Spirit. Unlike the plural “works” of the flesh, the “fruit of the Spirit” is presented as a unified whole. This suggests that when the Spirit is at work in our lives, all these qualities are manifested together. We don’t get to pick and choose which fruits we’d like to display; they come as a package deal.
The first and foremost of these spiritual fruits is love. This isn’t the fleeting, emotional love often portrayed in our culture. It’s the Greek word “agape,” denoting a deep, sacrificial love that values others above oneself. It’s the same love that God demonstrated towards us when “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
This divine love is not a feeling but a choice. It’s a decision to value and esteem others as God does. Jesus Himself exemplified this love in the Garden of Gethsemane when, despite His anguish, He chose the Father’s will over His comfort and convenience. This is the kind of love that the Holy Spirit seeks to manifest in our lives.
As we contemplate the “fruit of the Spirit,” we must remember that it’s not about our own efforts or striving. The word “fruit” itself implies a natural outgrowth of something alive and thriving. Just as an apple tree doesn’t strain to produce apples, we don’t need to force ourselves to manifest these spiritual qualities. Instead, they should flow naturally from our new life in Christ.
This understanding liberates us from the trap of legalism and self-effort. We’re not called to work for our salvation or to earn God’s love. Before we were saved, all our efforts were merely accumulating more debt and wrath (Rom. 2:5). But now, as new creatures in Christ, we have the incredible privilege of bearing fruit unto holiness (Rom. 6:2).
The Holy Spirit is constantly at work within us, advocating for our new identity in Christ. Every day, we are renewed and given fresh opportunities to walk in the Spirit (2 Cor. 4:16). Even if we falter one day, we can wake up the next morning with the ability to start anew, making different choices aligned with our true identity in Christ.
This reality should fill us with hope and excitement. We are no longer bound by our past failures or limited by our own strength. The God of the universe is for us, working within us “both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).
As we go about our daily lives, we encounter countless situations that challenge us. Each of these moments presents an opportunity to either walk after “the flesh” or manifest the “fruit of the Spirit.” The choice is ours, but we’re not left to make it alone. The Holy Spirit is ever-present, ready and eager to bear fruit in and through us.
Reflecting on this truth should transform how we approach our spiritual walk. Instead of focusing on our shortcomings or trying to muster up enough willpower to be “good Christians,” we can rest in the knowledge that God is at work within us. Our role is to yield to the Spirit’s control, allowing Him to manifest His fruit in our lives.
This doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle or face temptation. But it does mean that we have the resources within us to overcome. We are no longer slaves to sin but have been set free to walk in newness of life.
As we conclude this reflection on the fruit of the Spirit, let’s challenge ourselves to be more aware of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. Let’s make a conscious effort to walk in the Spirit, allowing His fruit to be manifested in our interactions with others.
Remember, every situation we face – from our interactions at home to our responses at work, even to how we react while watching a sports game – is an opportunity to display the “fruit of the Spirit.” Will we choose to walk after “the flesh,” or will we allow the Spirit to work through us?
May we be encouraged and emboldened by the truth that we are new creatures in Christ, filled with His Spirit and equipped to bear fruit that glorifies Him. Let us embrace our identity in Christ and walk confidently in the newness of life He has given us, manifesting the “fruit of His Spirit” in all we do.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
May 2, 2025
Resources For Further Study
65) Galatians 5:22 The Fruit Of The Spirit, Part 1 (Love) (YouTube Video)