What is the Fruit of the Spirit in the Bible? And Why They Still Matter Today

Ashland Watson
5 days ago
4 min read

If you’ve spent any time in church, chances are you’ve heard someone mention the fruit of the Spirit and list it all out: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. They sound beautiful and profound... but what do they really mean? And more importantly, why should they still matter in our fast-paced, postmodern, scroll-till-you-drop world?

Let’s dive into what the Bible says, why it’s relevant, and how living by the Spirit can change not only your life...but entire communities across the globe.

Where the Fruit of the Spirit Comes From

The concept of the fruit of the Spirit is rooted in Galatians 5:22–23, where the Apostle Paul contrasts the "works of the flesh" (things like envy, strife, impurity, and idolatry) with the virtues that flow from a life led by the Holy Spirit:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

This isn’t just a checklist, it’s a lifestyle that reflects the transformation happening in us through Jesus Christ. In Greek, the word for “fruit” is karpos, which implies an outcome, result, or product. It’s the visible evidence of what’s happening beneath the surface.

Love, Joy, Peace… and What They Really Mean

Let’s pause and look at each of these a bit more deeply:

Love: Not just warm fuzzies, but agape love: selfless, sacrificial, and rooted in Jesus. Think 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love.
Joy: A deep, abiding gladness that doesn’t depend on circumstances.
Peace: More than just a lack of conflict. It’s shalom, wholeness and harmony.
Patience: The ability to endure difficult people or situations without losing your cool.
Kindness & Goodness: Often paired together, these reflect our moral character and how we treat others.
Faithfulness: Loyalty and trustworthiness, both to God and others.
Gentleness: Strength under control. It’s not weakness, it’s humility.
Self-Control: The discipline to say no to the things that lead us away from God.

But Why Do They Still Matter Today?

In a world that’s driven by likes, follows, and instant gratification, the fruit of the Spirit calls us to live counter-culturally. It invites us into a life that reflects Jesus Christ, not just in word, but in the very way we interact with others.

The fruit isn’t just for you, it’s for the Kingdom of God. When we live with love, joy, peace, and all the rest, we’re embodying what heaven looks like here on earth. And that? That draws people in.

At Mosaic International, we’ve seen this firsthand. Whether it’s in a rural community in Rwanda, or in the Philippines, or a village in Tanzania, what changes lives isn’t just programs or aid. It’s people living by the Spirit.

From Relief to Mobilization: Spirit-Filled Movements

Everything we do, Relief, Development, Discipleship, and Mobilization, hinges on right relationships. We believe:

RELATIONSHIPS FIRST... It’s not part of the goal; it is the goal.

We believe the most powerful transformation comes not from the outside in, but from the inside out and that begins with relationship.

This is why discipleship is at the heart of what we do. Because when someone’s life is shaped by the Holy Spirit, it spills over into families, churches, and whole communities.

What About the Works of the Flesh?

Paul contrasts the fruit of the Spirit with the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19–21. These are the behaviors that come naturally when we’re not walking with the Spirit.

We all wrestle with these. But Paul isn’t condemning us... he’s reminding us that there’s a better way. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t a demand to be perfect, but an invitation to be transformed.

Living It Out: What It Looks Like in Real Life

Let’s get practical. How do you actually live the fruit of the Spirit?

Start with prayer. Ask Jesus to produce this fruit in your life.
Read Scripture daily. Galatians 5, Romans 12, and 1 Corinthians 13 are great places to start.
Surround yourself with community. You need people who reflect these values and will call them out in you.
Practice presence. Notice opportunities to show love, kindness, patience... even when it’s hard.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. And the more time you spend with Jesus, the more your life begins to look like His.

Why This Matters to Mosaic

At Mosaic International, everything we do is built on this truth: when people live Spirit-formed lives, they impact the world in tangible ways.

That’s why we invest in local churches and leaders. That’s why we believe discipleship and mobilization are just as critical as food and medicine. Because lasting change is only possible when hearts are transformed by the Spirit.

We’re not here to offer quick fixes. We’re here to help build the kind of communities where the fruit of the Spirit grows naturally, where love, joy, peace, and all the rest are the norm, not the exception.

A Life That Bears Fruit

So, what are the fruit of the Spirit in the Bible?

They are the visible outworking of a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit, a life that mirrors Jesus and brings the Kingdom of God to earth. They still matter today because people still need hope. They still need peace. They still need love.

And that starts with you.

So take a deep breath. Let go of striving. Ask the Spirit to bear fruit in your life, and then go live like it.

Want to see what this looks like in action? Check out what’s happening in our global movements in Tanzania, Rwanda, the Philippines and South Asia.