Following the list of 17 works of the flesh-which, if practiced, will prohibit us from inheriting the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21)-are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. There is a need for balance between the gifts and the fruits of the Spirit. In a direct reference to Charismatics, Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’” (Matt. 5:21-23). The gifts of the Spirit are neither substitutes for the fruits of the Spirit nor an excuse to despise the laws of God. Ultimately, “you will know them by their fruits …

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matt. 7:16, 19). The nine fruits of the Spirit are developed and brought to perfection through contrasting and opposing forces. Jesus says, “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). Through severe trials and bitter life experiences, God prunes and purges us to bring forth fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. How are they developed?

(1) Love is cultivated through loving those who hate, spitefully use and persecute you.

(2) Joy is developed by those who pass through the valley of Baca (sorrow) and make it a spring.

(3) Peace comes to maturity when you cast your cares on Jesus in the midst of confusion.

(4) Longsuffering can only be formed through overcoming very long and arduous trials.

(5) Kindness shines forth in the midst of the rude, uncouth, ungrateful and unthankful.

(6) Goodness manifests amongst the wicked with their cruel and deceitful acts.

(7) Faithfulness is at its best when confronted by the failure and betrayal of those we trust the most.

(8) Gentleness is developed when confronted by anger to which one does not respond to.

(9) Self-control is the discipline you exercise as you are tempted by unrestrained lust, passions and desires.

Following the list of 17 works of the flesh-which, if practiced, will prohibit us from inheriting the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21)-are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. There is a need for balance between the gifts and the fruits of the Spirit. In a direct reference to Charismatics, Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’” (Matt. 5:21-23). The gifts of the Spirit are neither substitutes for the fruits of the Spirit nor an excuse to despise the laws of God. Ultimately, “you will know them by their fruits …

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matt. 7:16, 19). The nine fruits of the Spirit are developed and brought to perfection through contrasting and opposing forces. Jesus says, “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). Through severe trials and bitter life experiences, God prunes and purges us to bring forth fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. How are they developed?

(1) Love is cultivated through loving those who hate, spitefully use and persecute you.

(2) Joy is developed by those who pass through the valley of Baca (sorrow) and make it a spring.

(3) Peace comes to maturity when you cast your cares on Jesus in the midst of confusion.

(4) Longsuffering can only be formed through overcoming very long and arduous trials.

(5) Kindness shines forth in the midst of the rude, uncouth, ungrateful and unthankful.

(6) Goodness manifests amongst the wicked with their cruel and deceitful acts.

(7) Faithfulness is at its best when confronted by the failure and betrayal of those we trust the most.

(8) Gentleness is developed when confronted by anger to which one does not respond to.

(9) Self-control is the discipline you exercise as you are tempted by unrestrained lust, passions and desires.