Fruits of the Holy Spirit : Nine Virtues of Christ
Fruits of the HOLY SPIRIT: NINE GREAT VIRTUES OF CHRIST
But the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such virtues, there is no law. " Galatians 5: 22-23
If a person is filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit then all the virtues in Galatians 5:22-23 will be evident in that person's life. The nine virtues in this passage are the nine great virtues of Christ. As we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, God imparts these virtues to us
LOVE
The Holy Spirit imparts to us the virtue of LOVE. I Corinthians 13 depicts true Christlike love. Love radiates from a Spirit-filled person. A church which is truly Spirit-filled overflows with love. One of the most distinguishing marks of a true disciple of Christ is love. As it is written in John 13:35: "All men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." The New Testament church is truly a Spirit-filled church which overflows with love as it is recorded in Acts 4:32-34. Love flows out spontaneously from a Spirit-filled person, both love for God and love for men. It is Christ's love for both God and men the one that led him to Calvary, love for God's glory and perfect will and love for man's eternal soul. God's love is the ultimate reason for the incarnation and crucifixion of the Son of God.
JOY
A Spirit-filled person possesses real joy in his heart. Joy and pleasure are two different things. A person may be suffering from a chain of misfortune but still has joy in his heart. Like the Apostle Paul, though suffered greatly, endured so much tribulation for the sake of the Gospel, never lost his joy as a Christian. In contrary, a person may be full of earthly pleasures but still does not have real joy in his heart. Like some of the rich people who are living apart from the ways of God, they may have lots of pleasures in this world because of their material possessions, but you will still hear some of them who in spite of affluence are still unhappy. It is because the joy of the Lord is not present in their lives.
PEACE
Another wonderful virtue imparted to us by the Holy Spirit is PEACE, which is the peace of Jesus Christ as it is written in John 14:27; "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives." Despite the uncertainties of the future, despite the various problems attacking our economy, and despite the present upheavals in our society, a Spirit-filled Christian could remain relaxed, calm, serene because of the peace of JesusChrist that is in his heart. One perfect example in the life of Christ demonstrating his peace was during the coming of a battalion of soldiers to arrest him in the garden of Gethsemane. A large group of soldiers armed with swords and clubs came to arrest him that night of his betrayal. Jesus yielded himself freely to them. That is the perfect peace of JesusChrist.
LONGSUFFERING
Longsuffering is synonymous to patient and enduring. Longsuffering is one of the virtues possessed by God and by Christ also. God was longsuffering to Israel, as JesusChrist was longsuffering to his disciples. The disciples during their early life with Jesus were still carnal. Jesus had been very longsuffering in dealing with them. As Christians, we must strive to be longsuffering. We must be longsuffering with the weaknesses and failures of our brothers and sisters in the faith. We must be longsuffering with the people we are leading to Christ.
KINDNESS
Kindness is synonymous to compassion, generosity, the goodness of heart, goodness in deeds or actions. The virtue is very much present in the person of the Father and so with the person of JesusChrist. JesusChrist has shown great kindness to a lot of people surrounding him during his sojourn here on earth. He has shown kindness by healing their infirmities, their disabilities and physical defects, by feeding them and by teaching them the ways of God. As we become controlled by the Holy Spirit, true kindness radiates from us. We become more considerate to people, we become more compassionate to the needy, and the lost. That is why many are driven to missions because this fruit of the Holy Spirit is greatly imparted to them.
GOODNESS
According to Jesus, only one possesses this virtue, and that is God as he counseled the rich young ruler. How does goodness differ from kindness? The word is synonymous to suitable or worthy. The term is also used for the servant who invested well his resources. He is called a good and faithful servant. It also indicates that something is functioning well. If we said that this watch is no good anymore, it won't keep track of the right time any longer. Jesus said that a good tree produces good fruit, this is the tree that functions properly. Something is good when it works well. Jesus constantly produced and He never failed. His teachings made a lasting and profound impression. Goodness is one of the virtues imparts to us by the Holy Spirit. We could only function well as Christian if we allow the Holy Spirit to control us. We can become the good trees that produce good fruits as the Holy Spirit controls us.
FAITHFULNESS
God was faithful in fulfilling his promise to Abraham. He is ever faithful to Israel. Jesus was faithful in his love for his disciples. Jesus is faithful to his promises. Jesus showed his faithfulness to the Scripture and the will of the Father until his death on the cross. He is faithful as High Priest. Jesus calls Himself the Faithful Witness. He is the standard of faithfulness by which we measure ourselves. God is ever faithful to us at all times though sometimes we fail. As we are filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit, the virtue is reflected upon us. We also become faithful to him. We become faithful to our commitment to others. Faithfulness is not inherent in man, it is only a God-given virtue.
GENTLENESS
Gentleness is synonymous to meekness. Jesus claimed meekness for himself and significantly coupled it with being "lowly in heart." His meekness is worthy of our imitation. Meekness of a Christian is displayed by accepting God's dealings with us as good without any resistance. This is a display of lowliness before God and humility before men.
Jesus preached that the meek will inherit the earth in His sermon on Beatitudes. Meekness is one of the greatest virtues found in a person controlled by the Holy Spirit. Meekness is not weakness but it is a display of strength for abling to moderate one's emotion.
SELF-CONTROL
Self-control is a discipline, but it cannot be imposed from an outside source. Self-control cannot be achieved by training rather self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual Christian has this quality, not as a result of will power or effort but as a result of the work of the Holy Spirit in his life. Jesus exercised much self-control during his earthly life. A Spirit-controlled Christian has self-control in all aspects of his/her life. He has self-control in his thoughts, words, deeds, emotions. he knows well how to handle his emotions and thoughts. He is an emotionally mature person.
Only by being filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit we can live fully for God’s glory. There is no other way to be truly pleasing to God. We have to pursue it daily.
Comments
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on October 29, 2020:
Thanks Auriane for appreciating my hubs. I am greatly encouraged by your comment. Stay safe and blessed.
Auriane on October 29, 2020:
Hello Christine,
This is truly a Spirit filled piece. I really enjoyed reading it as well as another one about "Six Characteristics of the Christlike Mind". May The Lord bless you and inspire you to continue writing!
Blessings from Maryland
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on August 17, 2020:
Thanks Brother Ernest Festus.
Ernest Festus Awudey from Ho, Ghana. on August 15, 2020:
What a powerful presentation here, Cristine. I love this. Very similar to mine. God bless you for sharing.
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on September 23, 2019:
I am extending my gratitude to all those who visited and appreciated this hub. Blessings be with you!!
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on September 23, 2019:
Thanks Tonya for appreciating this hub.
Tonya Barbee on July 31, 2019:
Very good! I appreciate you breaking down the descriptions of these fruits. Thank you!
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on October 20, 2018:
Thanks Christianwritings for appreciating this hub. I am happy to know that you did enjoy reading it. Hope you are blessed as well upon reading it. Stay blessed always.
Christian Writings on October 18, 2018:
Thank you for this informative article on the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I very much enjoyed reading it.
Andrew on December 04, 2012:
thank you for this information it really help me learn more about god
maria rosario narit on October 02, 2012:
Hey Ji Ann thank you for reading this too. I had and has lead me to even read this every afternoon. I hope you'll read this hub again. :)
Sid Williams on March 15, 2012:
9 fruits = 7 spirits:
Goodness + Kindness = One God - Ephesians 4.6.
Peace + Self-control = One Lord - Ephesians 4.5..
Samantha on November 09, 2011:
This was great knowledge on this topic..It helped a lot on some questions I had and has lead me to even more which means growing in knowledge i love to hear other people talk on the subjects i am researching in the bible to help get a deeper insight to the meanings of things..thanks so much for this hub..have a blessed day!!!
Julie on October 16, 2011:
hi im taking comfirmation and i need to study theses thxs
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on September 15, 2011:
Hi Brother Eddie Perkins I am glad to read your comments for this hub. I am greatly encouraged by these comments. Thank you for gracing and appreciating this hub. Yes the work of the Holy Spirit truly makes a great change in us. Blessings to you and regards.
Eddie-Perkins on September 14, 2011:
What a powerful message for everyone who claims the name of Jesus Christ! Thank you for these thoughts Maria Cristina. What a contrast to the works of the flesh that we’ve done before meeting Jesus and before surrendering the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. Be blessed my Sister Maria Cristina and keep writing for our Lord. Vote up awesome
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on September 03, 2011:
Hi Maralexa and Jason !thank you for dropping by and appreciating this hub. Blessings to you always and best regards.
Marilyn Alexander from Vancouver, Canada on August 25, 2011:
This is a beautiful article! How discerning of you to write it this way. I truly love the information and your good writing.
Blessings, Maralexa
JasonPLittleton on May 26, 2011:
You published amazing hub, Thanks for this.
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on May 14, 2011:
Hi CMerritt it is great to hear from you. Thank you for dropping by and appreciating this hub. Yes each day of his life a christian must try his best to work out these nine virtues of Christ in his own life. Blessings to you and regards.
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on May 14, 2011:
Hi James thanks for appreciating this hub. As always your visit and comments are great encouragement to me. Blessings to you and your family. Best regards.
Chris Merritt from Pendleton, Indiana on May 10, 2011:
I love this hub! I totally agree with you about the fruit of the Spirit. I believe THIS is what difines a Christian. It should be every Christians goal to obtain these, and apply them to their lifestyle...THEN, and only THEN, will a true testamony to Christ will be given.
Excellent in the way you broke it down...
I vote up awesome and useful.
James A Watkins from Chicago on May 10, 2011:
Yes! This Hub delivers a wonderful message. You are spot on. The nine virtues of Christ have never been explicated better. Well done!!
Rev.Guru on April 28, 2011:
It is very good see this explanation. This is very much useful to teach the church the needed subject which is missed always where the main emphasis has been on gifts of the holy spirit.
Richard Fernandes on January 29, 2011:
Cristina327, very well explained and easy to understand the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on January 26, 2011:
Thank you steven oliver for appreciating this hub. Your comment is a great encouragement to me. Blessings to you and regards.
steven oliver from North Carolina on January 25, 2011:
Cristina327, this is great! A true commentary on the Fruit of the Spirit... every Spirit-filled believer could benefit by reading these insights! Awesome stuff!
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on October 22, 2010:
Hi christ4ever it is great to hear from you. Thank for dropping by. Your visit and comment is much appreciated. Blessings to you.
Rev. Teddy C. Ryan III from a life in sin saved by the Lord's grace - we are blessed with the ministry in Florida & Georgia on October 22, 2010:
AMEN--The indwelling of the Holy Spirit keeps us focused, on course and filled with heavenly virtues on our walk with Christ as the perfect role model.
Rev.Ted
Art Wartenbe from Northwestern Florida, Gulfcoast on May 22, 2010:
Thank You for this wonderful explanation of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I am refreshed after reading this! The powers of the Great Holy Spirit are as much a mystery as the complete works of our Father, God! Amazing is the glory of all things considered holiness to this world. Enjoyed this one. I will be reading more of you, I know there is a blessing in your writing. God Bless!
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on February 06, 2010:
Hi Dave Mathews it is nice to hear from you again. It is very encouraging to read your comment. Regards and remain blessed.
Dave Mathews from NORTH YORK,ONTARIO,CANADA on February 05, 2010:
(Ate) Cristina,It is so good to find a Sister of God who can write in such a powerfully expressive way. Your writing uplifts me in such a powerful way. Thank You Cristina.
Sincerely,
KUYA Dave.
Neil74 on February 01, 2010:
Glad to find a kababayan here. And in fact. Proud too of what you wrote.
newwoman54 on January 31, 2010:
Thanks for this hub.
SL Perrin from South Carolina on December 29, 2009:
cristina thank you for this moving piece. I did a bible study once on these tender yet strong holding fruits, and we as a group gained much from the study. This piece was heartfelt and much appreciated.
My pieces are more of showing how Scripture and daily living are to be in harmony.
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on December 14, 2009:
Thank you DeBorrah K. Ogans for dropping by and taking time to read this insight. Merry Christmas to you and your family. May you have the best of the season.God bless.
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans on December 14, 2009:
Cristina327, This is a wonderful hub! These are Very good points you have brought out about the virtues of The Fruit of the Spirit! Thank You for sharing, Blessings!
Gifty Conteh from Uganda on October 29, 2009:
God Bless you Cristina. Every christian ( Christlike ) should desire to bear these fruits and because thay are fruits the more of them you grow the more they multiply in your life and you begin to affect everybody by your increased harvest of these fruits. God is ready to give us increase in these fruits as we become willing to bear them them and endure His pruning
he on October 28, 2009:
very useful
Lee Thacker on October 27, 2009:
I like the way your brain thinks, makes me feel alive listening to what your thinking, very cool...Keep it up ...PS Now I Know Why I bookmarked your page ;-) ...Hope you are doing well,
juliet bukenya on July 19, 2009:
Thanks so much,especialy about self control i didn`t know that its needed in one`s thoughts,words,emotions & deeds .God bless
Cristina Santander (author) from Manila on August 03, 2008:
Hi Wbisbill a pleasant morning to you. I wish you a great, blessed Sunday worship.
Wbisbill from Tennessee USA on August 03, 2008:
Great thoughts for this Sunday morning as we get ready for church.
Thumbs up - grace and peace be yours!
