The next aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is “faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22). As we have discussed, the characteristics of the Spirit are called “fruit” because it must be cultivated and grown. It takes faithfulness, which is demonstrated by endurance, for any of the fruit to be grown. But how is faithfulness grown? This is important for us to understand if we are going to bear any fruit.

Fruit grows on trees, not small plants. A small plant may sprout and produce vegetables in a single...

The next aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is “goodness” (Galatians 5:23). The Greek word that is translated for “goodness” is agathosune, which is defined as “virtue” or “beneficence.” This is still a very broad concept that I would like to narrow down a bit so we can practically apply it. However, we do need to keep in mind that it is a broad and expansive characteristic that every Christian should have.

We often think of goodness as the opposite of being evil, which has...

The next fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5 is “kindness,” which is defined as being considerate, generous, and benevolent. Kindness is the character trait that is the opposite of selfishness, and is the nature of one who is thinking of others.

Kindness is basically the opposite of the fallen nature of man. After the first transgression, Adam and Eve immediately looked at themselves, and self-centeredness has been one of the basic characteristics of fallen man since. However, kindness causes us to be more considerate of others, looking out for the...

The next fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5 is PATIENCE. As we have stated, there is actually one fruit of the Spirit and these are all characteristics of it. Therefore, they are all linked and intertwined so that if you have one you will have the others as well. Even so, Scripture links faith and patience, especially in Hebrews 6:11-12:
 

A few years ago I had a dream in which I was mountain climbing with many thousands of people. Hundreds were all connected together by the lifelines that mountain climbers use; many were falling off of the mountain and being lost because some were not driving their stakes deep enough into the ground. If one gave way, often many were lost. I knew in the dream that those stakes were truth. For that reason, in every study I do, and in all of my writings, I try to drive the stakes of truth as deep as I can into...