Read Galatians 5 Life in the Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)

Paul used the plural in describing life after the flesh (works of the flesh), but he uses the singular fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit has one work to do in all of us is love. Love is defined in 1Corinthians 13:4-7 as patient (longsuffering), kind (kindness), it does not envy, not boast, not proud (meekness) (:4); not rude (self-control or temperance), not self-seeking (goodness or generosity) not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (peaceable) (:5); does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth (joy)(:6); always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (faithful) (:7).

We are not capable of bearing the fruit as it is the work of the Spirit that comes through our abiding in Christ (John 15:5). Such abiding love brings joy that's within. Paul knew this joy personally; he could sing when manacled in a dark prison dungeon (Acts 16:25). It is a joy whose foundation is God.

When one has joy, he experiences the peace of God. " It is not simply the absence of fighting, when everything is calm and settled, not just freedom from trouble but everything that makes for a mans highest good. It is the tranquility of heart which derives from the all-pervading consciousness that our times are in the hands of God. This is a peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

The peace will empower us in longsuffering, an ability to endure ridicule and misunderstanding without having to react rashly and retaliate immediately. "not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." (1Peter 3:9). Been able to relate with understanding and showing mercy to others what he has received from God is kindness or gentleness a sweetness of temper, place others at their best, being considerate and courteous.

Through kindness, one expresses by goodness or generosity which is practical in service. The example of Barnabas, "For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord." (Acts 11:24) Generosity requires faith. The faithfulness towards what he does is characterised by faith. This comes with perseverance which is self-control or meekness. A person has this fruit of the Spirit, he doesnt need the Law. He already fulfils it

Prayer: Lord As I abide in Your love, I am conscience of Your presence. Your Spirit working within me to bear forth His fruit. In receiving Your love I will act intentionally to love and see these characteristics evidenced through my life.

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