Galatians 5:22-25

“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” vss. 22-23

Sometimes there is confusion between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul emphasizes both in his writings but there is a difference. The gifts of the Spirit are those special qualities you have that equip you for a particular calling in the Church, e.g. things like preaching, teaching, witnessing, pastoring, or evangelizing. Some have many gifts but others only a few. All the gifts are valuable in the life of the community. But the fruit of the Spirit arises from the heart of a person and bears witness to the presence of the Spirit. If you wonder if the Holy Spirit is working within you, a brief conversation with a friend could give you reassurance. Ask them if they see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in you. These are sure evidence of the Spirit’s work within you. They aren’t commandments! But they are the fruit of a life that is being lived in Christ–if they aren’t present something is wrong at the core. You’ve somehow lost your way and need to repent of your wandering ways. Of course God never stops loving you and when you turn back to that love, the Spirit returns in a heartbeat, and your whole life is transformed.

Thought for the Day: What fruits do people see in me?