The Fruits of the Spirit?

 

Love is like a pineapple. Joy is like a watermelon. Peace is a cantaloupe and patience is a bushel of grapes. The question is, "How many fruits are there?" Are there multiple kinds of fruit from the one Spirit or is it simply one fruit of one Spirit manifesting itself in many attributes?

 

If you think about it, why do we even say Fruits of the Spirit? That implies that each one of these characteristics are a separate entity? What some of us do not realize is that the Bible never speaks of the Fruits of the Spirit. Rather, it refers to the Fruit of the Spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..."  

Galatians 5:22-23

Notice that it is not plural, but singular. You cannot have one without the other because they are of the same essence. They are each a part of the same diamond. Another facet or cut if you will.

There is one diamond, yet many sides. The same is true for the Fruit of the Spirit. There is one fruit, yet many different aspects and characteristics about that fruit. On one side the color is yellow - that is joy. Turn it around and that side is fiery orange - that is patience. It is soft and fuzzy on the outside - that is love. You cut it open and find the seeds - that is kindness.

None of us who are believers will ever be able to say, "I have joy, but not peace." It can't be done. If you have the Holy Spirit, then He will bear His fruit.

The chart below is an attempt to show how this fruit is multifaceted and how each character quality can vary in the way it works itself out in the lives of believers. Remember, we are all different. Some exhibit more peace than others. Likewise, the same is true for the rest.

We are each growing in each of these areas. Some we are stronger in than others. We have clear strengths and clear weaknesses. Let us remember that each of these qualities are all a part of the one fruit in which the Spirit is working in our lives.