Bearing Fruit—Living in the Spirit

The Flashy vs. the Fruitful

In charismatic Christian circles, there’s often an unspoken pressure to showcase a certain “spiritual” persona. We tend to highlight the more dramatic gifts of the Spirit—tongues, prophecy, healing—almost like badges of honor. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the “supernatural” and gravitate towards those who seem to possess these extraordinary abilities. We picture the “Spirit-filled” life as one marked by miraculous displays and public demonstrations of power. We think of the pastor who effortlessly speaks in tongues, the prophet who delivers awe-inspiring revelations, or the evangelist who heals the sick with a touch.

Even the tendency to use prayer as a platform for showcasing our spirituality is tempting. Yet, Jesus contrasts this with the quiet intimacy of private devotion, saying, “whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door” (Matt 6:6 NRSV). He further explained the need for genuine, heartfelt prayer, free from the empty posturing of repetitive, meaningless words, cautioning “ do not heap up empty phrases” (Matt 6:7 NRSV). I can’t recall how often, in prayer circles, I’d agonize over finding original prayer points and using words that projected spirituality, which ironically reminded me of my spiritual shortcomings. Public prayer can be a source of anxiety, as we worry about whether our words, tone, and formality will measure up to the expectations of those around us and reflect our faith appropriately. My argument isn’t against public prayer, but rather that genuine spirituality blossoms into actions—actions like loving our neighbor or the simple kindness of letting someone merge during rush hour.

Craig Keener points out, “The problem is not public prayer but motives directed toward other people rather than toward God.”^[1] Jeannine Brown adds that, “the motive for fulfilling these covenantal obligations needs to be fully and squarely focused on God, without the tainting of desire for human praise.”^[2]. Let us have pure motives and not worry about what others think of our relationship with God; rather, let our lives be a powerful testament to our beliefs and relationship with God.

The Allure of the Spectacular

Why are people so impressed with flashy acts on a church stage? It’s human nature to be captivated by the extraordinary. People from charismatic backgrounds crave those “mountaintop experiences”—the powerful conferences, the dynamic revivals—where the gifts of the Spirit seem to flow freely. We link the intensity of these events with the authenticity of the spiritual manifestations, assuming that a powerful display must equate to a genuine move of God. But this is where we need to exercise caution. Sadly, the church isn’t immune to exploitation and manipulation. Some ministries, driven by a desire for growth or recognition, may resort to fabricating or exaggerating the gifts of the Spirit to “wow” the audience. They create an atmosphere of hype and emotionalism, leaving people feeling awestruck and dependent, rather than empowered and grounded in truth.

Jesus himself warned us about this, saying, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16a NRSV)

John Nolland wants us to consider, “What is the outworking in the lives of these people of what they stand for? This advice corresponds with a widespread human recognition that close observation of a person’s actions is the most accurate guide to what a person really is.”^[3]

Instead of being enamored by the spectacle, we need to look deeper. We need to discern the fruit in the lives of those who claim to be led by the Spirit. Are they demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? These qualities are the true indicators of a Spirit-filled life, not the sensational displays of power.

The people we should allow to speak into our lives are not necessarily those who grab the spotlight with dramatic displays of the gifts. They are the ones who quietly and consistently exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in their daily lives. They are the ones who demonstrate genuine love, humility, and service, reflecting the character of Christ in all they do.

Let us not be deceived by outward appearances or emotional manipulation. Let us seek out those who embody the true essence of the Spirit—the fruit of righteousness and holiness—and learn from their example.

The Fruit of the Spirit

The fruits of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23, are: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (ESV). As we actively cultivate these virtues, we find ourselves increasingly capable of a deeper, more meaningful love for God and others, a love that transforms our lives and relationships.

David deSilva states, “this fruition calls for conscientious and constant investment on the part of the believers; Paul [later spoke] of the disciple investing himself or herself in “sowing” to the Spirit, even as the person who continues in rebellion against God’s reign “keeps sowing” to the flesh (6:7–8). The disciple is responsible to keep himself or herself oriented toward God and God’s Spirit, so that the Spirit can produce this harvest.^[4]

Love:

• Loving God: Love for God is the foundation of our faith. It drives us to seek Him, obey Him, and worship Him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). We express our love for God through prayer, studying His Word, and living a life that honors Him.
• Loving our neighbor: Love for our neighbor manifests in acts of service, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). This means treating others with kindness and respect, even when they are difficult to love.

Practical Examples:

• Volunteering to serve others and give of ourselves.
• Forgiving someone who has wronged you.
• Offering a helping hand to a neighbor in need.
• Speaking words of encouragement to a friend who is struggling.

Joy:

• Loving God: Joy in the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It’s a deep-seated contentment that comes from knowing God and experiencing His love. This joy sustains us through trials and allows us to praise Him even in difficult circumstances.
• Loving our neighbor: Joy is contagious. When we radiate joy, it brightens the lives of those around us. A joyful spirit can be a source of encouragement and hope to others, especially those who are going through difficult times.

Practical Examples:

• Maintaining an inner hope even when facing challenges.
• Expressing gratitude for the blessings in your life.
• Sharing your life with others in a joyful and enthusiastic way.
• Bringing joy to others through acts of kindness and generosity.

Peace:

• Loving God: Peace with God comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). It’s a deep sense of tranquility and security that comes from knowing we are reconciled to God. This peace guards our hearts and minds, allowing us to rest in His presence.
• Loving our neighbor: We can be peacemakers in our relationships by resolving conflicts, promoting understanding, and fostering harmony. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9 NRSV).

Practical Examples:

• Praying for peace in your community and in the world.
• Mediating conflicts between friends or family members.
• Choosing to forgive rather than hold grudges.
• Fostering a peaceful atmosphere in your home and workplace.

Patience:

• Loving God: Patience with God means trusting in His timing and His plan, even when we don’t understand. It’s about waiting on the Lord and not giving up on His promises.
• Loving our neighbor: Patience with others involves extending grace and understanding, even when they make mistakes or test our limits. It’s about bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2).

Practical Examples:

• Responding with kindness when someone is rude or impatient.
• Giving others the benefit of the doubt.
• Being understanding when someone is going through a difficult time.
• Taking time to listen to others without interrupting or judging.

Kindness:

• Loving God: Kindness towards God is reflected in our obedience and our desire to please Him. It’s about treating His Word with reverence and responding to His love with gratitude.
• Loving our neighbor: Kindness towards others involves showing compassion, empathy, and generosity. It’s about treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Practical Examples:

• Offering a helping hand to someone in need.
• Showing compassion to those who are suffering.
• Speaking kind words to others.
• Performing acts of service for your family and friends.

Goodness:

• Loving God: Goodness towards God is reflected in our desire to live a righteous life. It’s about pursuing holiness and seeking to please Him in all we do.
• Loving our neighbor: Goodness towards others involves acting with integrity, honesty, and fairness. It’s about doing what is right, even when it’s difficult.

Practical Examples:

• Being honest in your dealings with others.
• Standing up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular.
• Treating everyone with fairness and respect.
• Using your talents and resources to serve others.

Faithfulness:

• Loving God: Faithfulness to God means remaining steadfast in our faith, even when we face trials or temptations. It’s about trusting in His promises and keeping our commitments to Him.
• Loving our neighbor: Faithfulness to others involves being trustworthy, loyal, and dependable. It’s about keeping our promises and being there for others, especially in times of need.

Practical Examples:

• Keeping your commitments to your family and friends.
• Being a loyal friend who can be counted on.
• Staying true to your values even when it’s difficult.
• Remaining faithful to God in all circumstances.

Gentleness:

• Loving God: Gentleness towards God is reflected in our humility and our willingness to submit to His will. It’s about recognizing our dependence on Him and approaching Him with reverence and awe.
• Loving our neighbor: Gentleness towards others involves treating them with kindness, consideration, and respect. It’s about being approachable, understanding, and compassionate.

Practical Examples:

• Speaking softly and kindly to others.
• Being patient and understanding with those who are struggling.
• Showing humility and avoiding arrogance.
• Responding to criticism with grace and humility.

Self-Control:

• Loving God: Self-control is essential for living a holy life that pleases God. It’s about resisting temptation and disciplining our desires to align with God’s will.
• Loving our neighbor: Self-control allows us to respond to difficult situations with grace and patience. It helps us to avoid anger, resentment, and other negative emotions that can damage relationships.

Practical Examples:

• Resisting temptations that could lead to sin.
• Controlling your anger in challenging situations.
• Practicing discipline in your daily life.
• Making wise choices that honor God and benefit others.

By cultivating these fruits of the Spirit in our lives, we become more like Christ and are better equipped to love God and our neighbor. It’s a lifelong journey of growth and transformation, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can bear fruit that lasts for eternity.

The Gifts in Service of the Fruit

This is not to say that the gifts of the Spirit are unimportant. They are valuable tools given to the Church for building up the body of Christ and advancing His Kingdom. However, they should always be exercised within the bounds of the fruits of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 13, often called the “love chapter,” emphasizes this point. Paul describes the futility of spiritual gifts without love. He writes, “If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-2 NRSV)  

The Anchor Yale Bible Commentary highlights, “Love’s worth is seen in the contrast it forms to the seven hypothetical gifts or acts with which it is compared.”^[5] Ben Witherington III well summarizes, “Paul ultimately believes that love, not freedom or knowledge, is the final watchword for Christians, both as a key to understanding the mysteries of the faith and as a guide to behavior … For the NT writers love is a matter of behavior, not feeling.”^[6]

The gifts of the Spirit, when separated from the fruit, can become sources of pride, division, and even harm. Prophecy without love can become condemnation. Healing without compassion can become a spectacle. Discernment without gentleness can become judgment. True Spirit-empowered gifts flow from a heart of love. When we exercise the gifts with love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness, they become instruments of grace and healing. They build up, encourage, and unify the body of Christ.

Here are some examples of how the gifts can be used in service of the fruit:

• Prophecy: Instead of using prophecy to pronounce judgment or impress others, we can use it to offer words of encouragement, hope, and direction. We can speak truth in love, challenging people to grow in their faith while reminding them of God’s grace and mercy.
• Healing: Rather than viewing healing as a performance or a means to gain popularity, we can approach it with compassion and humility. We can pray for the sick with a genuine desire to see them restored, recognizing that ultimately, healing comes from God.
• Discernment: Instead of using discernment to criticize or condemn, we can use it to protect the vulnerable and guide people toward truth. We can offer wise counsel with gentleness and understanding, helping others to navigate difficult situations and make godly choices.
• Tongues and Interpretation: These gifts can be used to deepen our personal prayer life and bring edification to the church. When exercised in an orderly manner (as Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 14), they can foster a sense of unity and awe in the presence of God.

Ultimately, the gifts of the Spirit are meant to be expressions of God’s love and grace. They are not for personal gain or glory, but for the building up of the Church and the advancement of His Kingdom. When we exercise the gifts in the context of the fruit, we become channels of His love and power, bringing hope and healing to a broken world.

Let us remember that the fruit of the Spirit is the true measure of spiritual maturity. It is the evidence of a life transformed by Christ, a life that reflects His character and values. May we prioritize the cultivation of these qualities, allowing the gifts to flow from a heart of love and service. This is the true mark of a Spirit-filled life, a life that reflects the beauty and glory of Christ to a world in desperate need of His love.

Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit requires intentionality and effort. It’s not a passive process, but an active pursuit of godliness. Just as a gardener tends to their plants with care and diligence, so we must cultivate the soil of our hearts and nurture the seeds of the Spirit within us.

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^[1] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014), 60.

^[2] Jeannine K. Brown and Kyle Roberts, Matthew, ed. Joel B. Green, The Two Horizons New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 69.

^[3] John Nolland, The Gospel of Matthew: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 2005), 337.

^[4] David A. deSilva, The Letter to the Galatians, ed. Ned B. Stonehouse et al., The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 465.

^[5] Joseph A. Fitzmyer, First Corinthians: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, vol. 32, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2008), 492.

^[6] Ben Witherington III, Conflict and Community in Corinth: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on 1 and 2 Corinthians (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995), 269.