Fruit is the direct result of whatever controls our hearts. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is in direct contrast with the acts of the sinful nature. Whether it is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control, the fruit of the Spirit is the change in our character that comes about because of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. We do not become a Christian on our own, and we cannot grow on our own. Philippians 2:13 says that “it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Every good thing we do is the fruit of the Spirit’s work in our lives. Other scriptures referenced include Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:3; John 15:13; 1 John 3:11; Luke 6:35; 1 John 5:3; John 3:16; Mark 12:30-31; Philippians 2:13; Matthew 15:19; Romans 6:6; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 5:19-21; Galatians 6:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 7:14-25; 2 Corinthians 5:17; and Philippians 4:13.
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