30 Scriptures on Fruits of the Spirit (with Free PDF Printable!)

Do you want more peace and patience in your life? How about love, joy, and faithfulness? These are fruits of the Spirit as described in the Bible. Here are 30 Scriptures on Fruits of the Spirit to grow and deepen your faith.

30 Bible Verses about Fruits of the Spirit

Thank you to author Kathy Wendt, who contributed the mini-devotions for each Bible verse. The verses are listed in the English Standard Version (ESV).

1. John 15:16 – Because He Chose Us

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

John 15:16

I remember as a young child lying in bed, crying and feeling scared. I learned to pray to God for help, and that night, He did help me, and I fell asleep. He will help you too with all of your problems and difficulties.

In John 15, Jesus says, “When you pray, whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you.” So, you depend upon God, not your human reasoning.

2. John 15:4-9 – Abide In My Love

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

John 15:4-9

I love these verses because they remind me to stay in God’s word. Christ says, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Just like a branch that breaks off the vine withers and dies, when you stop staying connected to our Lord, you wither and die.

I certainly don’t want to be cut off from God, and neither do you. He is your help, strength, and salvation, so abide in His love.

3. Galatians 5:22-23 – Living In The Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Galations 5:22-23

Growing up with three younger siblings taught me early on that I wasn’t the center of the universe. In fact, as I grew older, my sister told me I used to be very bossy. That was tough to hear. Today, I pray daily for God to help me do His will through the Holy Spirit’s power.

As it says in Romans 8:26, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Daily contrition and faith will bring you peace and joy.

4. Matthew 7:15-20 – Beware of Deceivers

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Matthew 7:15-20

“Many will come in God’s name, but they do not teach that salvation has been won for you by Jesus’s death on the cross to pay for your sins.”

As a teenager, I did not think about God’s salvation. My focus was on how my hair looked and what clothes I was going to wear to fit in and be cool. I was lured into the social culture at the time, as many others my age were.

By the grace and knowledge of God, I grew up to know and love Jesus. 2 Peter 3:18 says, “And then you will be able to distinguish between the false teachers and the one true God.”

5. Mark 12:28-30 – Love the Lord With All Your Heart

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Mark 12:28-30

I always liked this verse because it explains that I am nothing more than a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal without love. That’s pretty clear to me how important love is.

1 John 4:19 says we love because He first loved us. Loving God changes your heart and makes you want to love Him and obey His remaining commandments.

6. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love Conquers All

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I remember hearing the story about Corrie Ten Boom. Her sister died at the hands of Nazi brutality. After giving a talk on forgiveness one night, a man whom she recognized as one of the captors at her Nazi camp approached her, reaching out his hand.

He asked her to forgive him. She froze, then silently prayed, “Jesus, help me!” Not long after, she cried, “I forgive you, brother!” Something miraculous happened.

In 1 Peter 4:8, it is written, “Love covers over a multitude of sins.” In Christ, we can love and forgive others by His power, not ours.

7. 1 Corinthians 13:13 – Love Is The Greatest

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

Years ago, when I felt abandoned and alone, my furthest thought was to love the person who left. I felt devastated and did not have faith and hope at the time.

But, as it says in Hebrews 11:40, God had planned something better for me. He surrounded me with love through His word. My faith and hope returned, my heart softened, and I could love again because He first loved me.

8. Romans 15:13 – Hope, Joy And Peace

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

One of my favorite scriptures to remember when I wake up is Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It sets my attitude for the day, especially when it’s cloudy and dreary outside.

When I remember to be grateful for all the Lord has given me, I have joy, peace, and hope. Consider these blessings from God, and He will give you all you need.

9. Psalm 19:8 – Follow God’s Commands

The precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 19:8

It seems easier to obey the Lord when things are going right and family time is abundant. But when I don’t see my children or grandchildren as often as I’d like, God reminds me in His word that they are His children on loan to me. So I can forget about putting a guilt trip on them.

God says, “My grace is sufficient for you,” and Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God.”

10. Philippians 4:6-8 – Be Anxious For Nothing

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:6-8

Years ago, when I worked as a public servant, I found some days stressful.

But I could walk down to the waterfront, sit on the rocks, and eat lunch. When I looked out over the vast lake, I couldn’t help but notice that God was there.

Psalm 46:1 tells us that God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He is your safe place to retreat when you are feeling anxious.

11. John 14:27 – Peace Will Come

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27

Seventh grade in Parochial school was difficult, especially because a boy kept teasing and berating me on the walk home from school. I learned that if I kept depending on the approval of others, I would be a wreck.

In John 14:27, it says that God will give you peace, not as the world gives it but by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is your safe place to retreat when you are upset or afraid.

12. Isaiah 58:8-9 – Thy Will Be Done

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
    the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
    you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
    the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness.

Isaiah 58:8-9

I am frequently reminded that I do not have all the answers, but I also know that others do not always have all the answers. But there is one who does, and that one is Jesus Christ. His thoughts and ways are higher than mine and the rest of the world.

Lord, please help me accept Your will as truth when my thoughts and ways do not align with yours. Amen

13. Lamentations 3:22-26 – God’s Steadfast Love

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;

 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-26

In Romans 7:15, Paul writes, I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do. I can relate to this verse because some days, I get so anxious and controlling.

One of my favorite verses during these times is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Thank goodness you can start again with each new day because Jesus loves you, and His mercies never end. The Lord is faithful!

14. Ephesians 4:2 – Be Humble

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

Some days, I want to be alone because I do not feel very loving. But Jesus reminds me to act accordingly and treasure unity with God, for He calls you to be humble and gentle when dealing with others.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, He freely gives you the gifts of patience, love, and peace. So when people need your love, you can be humble and listen to them.

15. Colossians 1:9-10 – Pray For Knowledge

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Colossians 1:9-10

I didn’t always make the right decisions while raising my three teenage daughters. But prayer, talking with other mothers wiser than myself, and reading the Bible helped me gain the insight I needed. 

The Bible says to constantly pray without ceasing so that you will be filled with all knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and understanding. That way, you can bear good fruit in everything you do and say to others. Be centered on God’s forgiveness in Christ.

16. Matthew 25:40 – Serving Others

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Matthew 25:40

Years ago, I took my oldest daughter with me when my work sponsored needy families with food and gifts for Christmas. She told me she never forgot the tears and thanks the people and children shared. Today, she serves the homeless with others at her church.

In verses 38 and 39, it says, “When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothed you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?”

Whenever you see someone in need and reach out a hand to help that person, you’re not just serving them; you’re serving your King, Jesus Christ.

17. Ephesians 5:8-9 – Walk As Children of Light

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).

Ephesians 5:8-9

These verses show me I didn’t always walk in the way the Lord wanted me to: in truth, goodness, and righteousness. As the song Amazing Grace goes, “I once was lost but now am found. I was blind, but now I see.”

You do not want the darkness of sin to overshadow the light of the Spirit within you. But you go your own way when you don’t trust God, react poorly to a situation, or fail to read the scriptures.

Dear Lord, I know you call me out of darkness into the light. Please help me to proclaim your praise and let my light shine. Amen

18. Colossians 3:10 – Put On The New Self

And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:10

None of us are perfect, but there is one who is; that one is God. Because Jesus died on the cross for your sins, you can be assured of His forgiveness and promise of eternal life when you believe and repent of your sins.

My daughter left a beautiful verse card on my mirror the last time she came to visit. It was 1 John 2:12, which says, “I am writing to you little children, because your sins are forgiven for His name’s sake.”

Thank God you are free today to put on the new self because of what Jesus did for you.

19. Exodus 3:4-6 – The One True God

When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

Exodus 3:4-6

I can’t even imagine what Moses experienced in God’s presence when he climbed up the mountain to see the flame of the burning bush, stood on Holy ground, and heard God’s voice.

By faith, Moses believed that He was the one true God. By faith, he trusted Him and led the people out of Egypt. Likewise, when you trust in God and follow His leading, you will receive all the strength and power you will need to deal with all the obstacles set before you.

20. 1 Chronicles 16:3-4 – Praise Be The Lord

And distributed to all Israel, both men and women, to each a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.

Then he appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel.

1 Chronicles 16:3-4

It is good and wise to praise and thank the Lord for all He has given you. When you keep this mindset, you realize how much that is: your salvation, your family, your friends, a comfortable home, your church, and good food to eat and drink. The list is endless. You cannot help but praise God! 

Thank you, Lord, for giving me the promise of heaven and the grace to believe in you through your Holy Spirit.

21. Joshua 24:14-15 – Fear Of The Lord

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:14-15

I remember as a child hearing about fearing the Lord. I always thought this was because He would punish me if I did something wrong.

But as I matured as a Christian, I learned fear of the Lord meant giving Him respect and reverence. Proverbs 1:7 explains, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” God, through His son, Jesus Christ, is your one true God. 

I have a plaque in my house that I would like to share with others. From the end of Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

22. Psalm 89:1 – Steadfast Love And Faithfulness 

I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever;
    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 89:1

Who can ever compare to the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord? By His grace, you are gifted with His unending, faithful love. You do not have to worry that God will turn His back on you if you do something wrong.

It says in Psalm 130:3-4, “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you, there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.”

23. Ephesians 3:16-17 – Spiritual Strength

That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love.

Ephesians 3:16-17

Again, I am so glad to be reminded that according to the riches of His glory, you are strengthened by the power of His Spirit so that Christ may dwell in you through faith, grounded in love.

I called upon that strength today in prayer when I went to visit my friend, who will soon be in hospice. I cannot face this alone, but with God’s power and love, I can accept that my Lord is preparing a place in heaven for her.

24. Colossians 3:12-14 – Fruits Of The Spirit

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:12-14

My husband and I used these verses on our wedding day. Trying to keep all of Christ’s virtues all the time is a tall order since we all struggle with temptations until we realize virtues are gifts from God.

God tells you to have compassionate hearts. He reminds you that we are to forgive each other as He has forgiven us. He wants you to be humble, meek, patient, and kind. But above all, He wants you to love others. 

When you come into conflict because you disagree with someone, it is by God’s grace alone that you can make amends, forgive, and be forgiven. I am so glad my husband and I chose these scriptures for our wedding day because they remind us of how God expects us to act.

25. Matthew 5:5 – Strive To Be Meek

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5

God sees when you struggle with discontentment. Negative emotions like anger, resentment, sadness, or jealousy can rule your heart. They oppose the Fruits of the Spirit: love, kindness, peace, and meekness.

In Philippians 4:11, Paul says, “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Sometimes, that is hard. You are not alone.

God tells you how to overcome negative emotions; Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Pray for God’s strength.

26. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Give Glory To God

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Jesus Christ is my role model because, in His word, He shows mercy to His enemies and has incredible patience, withholding anger and retaliation. 

Another example of mercy I see in my life was my late Aunt Mitzi. I noticed she always tried to see the good in a person, even if they had bad traits. She did not pass judgment on others. She did it all for the glory of God.

In Psalm 115:1, Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

27. 1 Peter 3:3-4 – Inward Beauty Is Lasting

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

1 Peter 3:3-4

There is so much emphasis on outward beauty in the world today. In Peter 3, God says, He adores the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. He sees the heart.

Esther 2:7 says Esther had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at. But she won the King’s favor with her kindness and tenderness.

Esther listened to God and remained faithful to Him and He blessed her.

In Proverbs 31:30, it says, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

28. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God Is Faithful

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

What a wonderful promise from God! He tells you that trials will come, but He will be with you. He is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.

When I went through a difficult separation years ago, the Lord provided a way through it. He led me to His word and showed me how much He loved me.

A support group became available to me. Others shared their experience and hope. Today, I can share my hope with others.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “But with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape.”

29. James 1:19-20 – The Righteousness Of God

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

James 1:19-20

I don’t know about you, but on a day when I didn’t get much sleep, I am quick to speak and get angry when someone cuts me off the road. And when I am running late for an appointment, I have no patience for those who get in my way.

I do not feel Godly when this happens, and anger doesn’t work. It only intimidates others and makes me upset.

God knows we are sinners, that is why He sent His son to take on our sins. When you read and hear God’s word, He shows you how He wants you to act. Then, you can be an example of His righteousness. 

30. 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Stand Up For Jesus

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

Since you are believers of God, He wants you to stand up for Him when you hear the world’s reasoning of disobedience and disbelief. 

Matthew 6:24-26 says, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

When you guard your thoughts and keep your mind on God’s will, He will help you.

Verse 4 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”

What are the 9 Fruits of the Spirit?

Here are the nine fruits of the spirit as listed in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-control

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5: 22-23

Note that the Catholic church includes a few additional fruits as part of the tradition, listing 12:

The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: “charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.”

Learnreligions.com

How Do I Develop Fruits of the Holy Spirit in My Life?

Fruits of the spirit come from the Holy Spirit, who is at work in your heart once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior. Spiritual fruits are not things that you generate on your own. These fruits come from God at work in you.

As your faith grows and deepens, so do your spiritual fruits, like patience and kindness.

That’s why these are called fruits of the spirit vs. fruits of the man or fruits of the woman.

Spiritual fruit only develops in connection to faith growth.

Why Are Spiritual Fruits Important?

The fruits of the spirit are important because they are a manifestation of faith. Faith cannot be seen on the outside, but spiritual fruits can be seen.

Matthew 7:16 tells us that Christian will be recognized by their fruits.

It’s important to understand that fruits of the spirit are not necessary for salvation or able to save you. Only Jesus Christ saving work on the cross is what saves any person and gives eternal life with God.

What Are Some Practical Examples of the Fruit of the Spirit?

What are some everyday examples of spiritual fruits? Here are ways you’ll see that the Spirit is at work in your life.

Love

Love, or Charity, is desire for God and serving him wholeheartedly, without expectation of anything in return. Love for God spills over into loving the people around you. Biblical love comes from God at work inside of you.

Here are ways the spirit of love manifests:

• Giving to other people with no expectation of something in return.
• Worshipping God fully, both at church and on your own.
• Not just knowing God, but developing a close personal relationship with God.
• Showing love and grace to people in your life who are hard to love.
• Thoughtful actions for the people closest to you.
• Seeing people through God’s eyes and believing the best in them.

Love is the overarching spiritual fruit that includes aspects of all others (1 Corinthians 13).

Joy

Joy is a deep sense of contentment. Christian joy is different than happiness, which is a feeling that comes and goes. Joy is knowing you have eternal life with God someday and that He is in control of the world.

Click here for a full 30 day Bible study about joy.

Here are ways the fruit of joy shows in your life:

• Feeling deep calm even when you aren’t happy.
• Continuing to feel a sense of peace even when things go wrong.
• Thanking God for your many blessings.
• Living life with a sense of gratitude.
• Not complaining.

Peace

Peace is tranquility and calm in your soul. Peace is remaining calm during crisis or tough times, knowing that things might be difficult now but ultimately God will use it for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

Click here for a 30 day reading plan to calm anxiety.

Here are ways to recognize the fruit of peace:

• Remaining calm during crisis.
• A sense of deep relaxation that God is in control.
• When others are anxious, you remind them of God’s goodness.
• Able to be decisive, knowing God will bring good from any decision.

Patience

Patience, also called longsuffering, is the ability to endure difficulties without getting upset or angry. Patience is a struggle for many of us and an important fruit of the spirit to develop in your life.

Remember that Biblical patience is supernatural—it means using God’s power to be patient when your own runs out.

Examples of the fruit of patience are:

• Enduring difficulties without worry.
• Showing patience for your husband, children, co-workers, or friends when their behaviors upset you.
• Not being easily upset by life’s challenges, both big and small.
• Having endurance during difficult times.
• Trusting that everything happens in God’s timing.
• Waiting without complaining.

Kindness

Kindness is showing consideration to others. We often think of kindness as being nice. Being nice can be part of it, but kindness goes deeper. Kindness includes empathy, which is trying to put yourself in the shoes of another person and consider their feelings.

Here are some examples of the fruit of kindness.

• Letting others go first.
• Offering small acts of service to other people.
• Giving gifts.
• Thinking of the feelings of other people before speaking or acting.
• Being a generous host or hostess.
• Being friendly and gracious to people you come in contact with throughout your day.
• Going the extra mile to give to other people.

Goodness

Goodness is avoiding evil and embracing what’s right according to God’s law. Goodness is not ignoring life’s sinful situations but choosing to turn away from them and seek God’s will.

These are some of the fruits of goodness in the life of a Christian:

• Avoiding sin.
• Making Godly decisions for yourself and your family.
• Choosing TV, movies, books, and social media that are God-honoring.
• Watching for the best in other people.
• Not making negative assumptions.
• Turning to God as your source of ultimate goodness.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness is fidelity, which is staying within the bounds of a commitment. This includes faith to God and His Word in the Bible and faithfulness with earthly commitments, such as marriage. Faithfulness includes the integrity of doing what you say you will do.

What does faithfulness as a fruit of the spirit look like? It includes:

• Remaining sexually faithful to your spouse.
• Taking care of your children.
• Honoring your parents.
• Keeping commitments whether work, volunteer or in relationships.
• Boldly proclaiming the truth of Jesus even if others tease or threaten you.
• Willingness to be martyred for your faith.

Gentleness

Gentleness is being kind and tender. Proverbs 15:1 says, ” A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Gentleness is treating others with a calm kindness that comes from extending God’s grace to everyone you meet.

• Loving care for those you are a caretaker for, including children, students, patients, or aging parents.
• Having a quiet, calm demeanor of words and action.
• Thinking before speaking.
• Defending those who cannot defend themselves, including speaking out against abuse of all types.
• Treating animals with kindness.

Self-control

Self-control is the ability to manage your impulses and momentary desires. Self-control is choosing what is best for the long run, not just what you want in the moment. The fruit of self-control doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy good things like watching a favorite TV show or enjoying a bowl of ice cream.

Self-control is the maturity of enjoying God’s good gifts in healthy moderation. Use these scriptures about temptation to grow in this important area.

Here’s how self-control looks as a fruit of the Holy Spirit:

• Choosing healthy foods that are good for your body. (Click here for a prayer for self-control with food.)
• Getting your work done and turned in on time.
• Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
• Staying faithful to commitments.
• Making wise financial decisions.

Opposites of the Fruits of the Spirit

Another way to know if you are developing the fruits of the spirit is to look for the opposite in your life.

Here are opposites for each of the Biblical fruits.

• Love – Hate
• Joy – Discontentment
• Peace – Anxiety
• Patience – Impulsiveness
• Kindness – Cruelty
• Goodness – Evil
• Faithfulness – Cheating
• Gentleness – Harshness
• Self-control – Succumbing

Do you see some of these sinful behaviors and patterns? That means this is an area where you can pray and ask God to develop more spiritual fruit in your life.

Praying for the Fruits of the Spirit

Here is a prayer to develop more vigorous spiritual fruits in your life.

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Free Bible Artwork Printable of Fruits of the Spirit

When you download the 30-day Bible reading plan below, you’ll also receive this beautiful Bible Artwork printable list of the fruits of the spirit.

Here are some ways to use this free printable artwork:

• Frame it and put it up in your home.
• Tape it to your cabinet, or somewhere you will see it daily, especially as you work through the month’s Bible reading plan.
• Shrink down the size and use it as a tip-in for Bible journaling.

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Free PDF Printable Fruits of the Spirit Bible Study

Download your free printable daily reading plan by clicking the button below.

$1.99

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How is God growing you in the fruits of the spirit? Share about it in the comments below.

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