God’s Character Seen in the Fruit of the Spirit

What are the characteristics of God? You have probably heard as a Christian, that we are to have the "Fruit of the Spirit." This fruit refers to the characteristics of God that we as Christians, who claim to want to be like Him, must show. We may not always show them, but we are expected to grow spiritually to become more like the God we serve. Let's look at God’s character as seen in the Fruit of the Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit is one way the Holy Spirit shows His work in our lives. Even though it includes several different qualities, they are all part of one single fruit, the character of Christ. These qualities in the life of the believer are proof of transformation by the power of God. We can't earn them nor can we create them. Through this work of the Holy Spirit we can see the character of God living in us.

Love: God’s Active and Individual Love

1) We talk a lot about God loving us. These aren't just words. God truly loves each of us on an individual basis. There are so many Bible verses that come to mind, but the most important, I believe, is that John tells us that God literally is love (1 John 4:8). Out of His love He sent His Son to suffer and die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). He did this to reconcile us to Himself, restoring the fellowship that sin had broken, and inviting us into a new covenant relationship with Jesus.

Recently, I saw someone stop their car and help an elderly woman who had fallen get to her feet in her front yard. God's love is active, just as ours should be. Do we love out of duty and obligation? That isn't love. Love says, "You are more important than me. You are made in the image of God. You are worthy of love." And it says this to anyone, whether they can be useful to us or not. Love doesn't even expect to be acknowledged. No thank you is necessary when our love is genuine.

Joy: God’s Ever-Present Strength in Us

2) Sometimes it's hard for us to realize that God experiences joy. Zephaniah 3:17 tells us that He rejoices over His people. God experiences joy when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7). Jesus tells us in John 15:11,"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. " It is God's own joy that should live in us.

In Nehemiah 8:10, Nehemiah says, "The joy of the Lord is my strength." This is not joy found in the circumstances of life. This is an ongoing, ever-present joy that is not dependent on us. God rejoices in us as we should rejoice in Him. Jesus is our faithful Savior; God is our fortress in troubled times; and it is His Holy Spirit that helps us live in joyful obedience.

Peace: God’s Peace Beyond Understanding

3) In John 14:27, Jesus explains that the actual peace of God has been left with His followers. Isaiah 9:6 gives Jesus the title of "Prince of Peace." The peace of God is beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:7).

This seems to be one of the characteristics that we reflect the least. Our society seems to thrive on worry and dread. These fears don't come from God. Peace comes from learning to trust God in all circumstances. Don't let yourself get upset over all those gloom and doom headlines you see on television.

Patience: God’s Long‑Suffering Kindness

4) 2 Peter 3:9 explains that God is patient with us because He wants all to come to repentance. Joel 2:13 reminds us that God is slow to anger. In Numbers 14:18, we read, "The Lord is long-suffering and abundant in kindness and truth, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and will not hold the guilty forever guilty."

In our "hurry up" world patience isn't valued very much; we want what we want and we want it now. But God displays a different attitude. He doesn't 'snap' the first time we fail Him, thankfully. Long-suffering is another word for patience. He knows our weaknesses better than we do. Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, including impatience, yet He chose forgiveness and submission over having His own way.

Kindness: Reflecting God’s Merciful Heart

5) Kindness is how we act towards others. Psalm 117:2 tells us that God's merciful kindness is great towards us. Ephesians 4:32 says to be kind and compassionate towards others just as Jesus was towards us.

Jesus explained that we don't just pray for people; we treat them with kindness, even if they are our enemy. We are to be the "Good Samaritan" to those around us (Luke 10:25-37). Kindness is very related to the next quality.

Goodness: Trusting God’s Righteous Nature

6) Goodness is internal. It is how you 'are'. Goodness can be considered righteousness. Psalm 136:1 describes God as good with a mercy that lasts forever. Romans 11:22 tells us to consider the goodness of God.

How do we fathom the goodness of God? We may question it at times with our limited knowledge, but we trust in His goodness towards us. In the beginning He created a world that He called good. Through our fall, that creation was marred by sin, yet Revelation 21:1 promises a New Heaven and a New Earth where His goodness will be fully revealed.

Faithfulness: God’s Enduring Loyalty

7) Lamentations 3:23 tells us, "Great is thy faithfulness." Psalm 119:90 explains that God's faithfulness endures to all generations. Paul explains in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 that God is faithful and He will do it.

What is it that God will faithfully do? He will sanctify us completely and preserve us blamelessly when our Lord returns. He is a faithful Father—reliable, loyal, and trustworthy above all. He keeps His promises, even when we don't keep our word.

Gentleness: God’s Compassionate Meekness

8) Jesus says in Matthew 11:29 that He is gentle and humble in heart. David says in Psalm 18:35, "Your gentleness made me great." Gentleness is sometimes translated as meekness. This is not weakness. It is the ability to be sensitive and kind to others, while at the same time being self-controlled. God sees our weakness and treats us gently. Jesus saw the sin around Him and called it out, but with kindness.

You might say that Jesus didn't show kindness to the Pharisees whom He called a "brood of vipers" but this rebuke was rooted in love and truth. Their hypocrisy was serious. Their spiritual blindness was harming the souls of the people around them. Jesus desperately wanted them to really see who they were and repent.

How often do we use gentle words to people who are speaking to us with frustration? Are we gentle when explaining things to others? It is easy to speak harshly to our spouse or children without remembering that they too deserve gentleness.

Self‑Control: Empowered by God’s Spirit

9) 2 Timothy 1:7 lets us know that we have been given a spirit of self-control, not fear. This spirit is God's Holy Spirit living in us. It is His power that goes with us.

How successful are you at controlling your behavior, thoughts, and emotions? Are you controlling your speech? Are you free from idle words? The more we allow the Holy Spirit to control us the easier this will be. Today it's a popular idea to 'express your emotions', regardless of the outcome. That's not God's way. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 that we should be disciplined, temperate in all things.

God’s Character Seen in the Fruit of the Spirit

These characteristics don't just come to us with no effort. Through prayer, Bible study, and obedience, we can see the character of God in the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Do we live in subjection to God? God is sovereign over us all. This means that He is in total control of His creation. It is His will, not mine, that is best.

When we can face simple frustrations like driving on the freeway, or being kind to someone who just cursed us, or letting God's peace come over us in the midst of tragedy, it is then that we can see our fruit alive, growing, and active in our lives. We are the conduits of God's love to a lost and dying world. Our fruit is God's way of reflecting His nature to those around us.

Walking in Surrender: Fruits That Bring God Glory

These godly characteristics aren't just goals, but the natural result of a life increasingly surrendered to the will of God. God alone gets the glory when we walk in the Spirit. Our very purpose on this earth is to glorify God (Isaiah 43:7). Because no other name, but the name of Jesus is worthy of honor, power, and of praise!

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