The Fruit of the Spirit: Living a life that reflects Christ

By Jinadu Ibukun

In a world where chaos, wickedness, and self-interest often dominate, the call to live by the Spirit stands as a powerful contrast. In this post, I decided to study the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians, which lays out a clear marker of what it means to walk in step with the Holy Spirit. He writes:

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

Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)

I used to think I was a patient person, and I had a forgiving spirit until God began to send people into my life and put me in situations that tested my patience, my love for others, my ability to be gentle and many more. I quickly realized how much I was walking in my own human strength and not totally walking in the Holy Spirit in living a life that reflects Christ. This is me sharing my journey on what I have learnt so far and how the Holy Spirit has helped and is still helping me apply Galatians 5:22-23, in my day to day living.

1. Love

Love is the foundation, Jesus clearly states love as the first and second greatest commandment.

Matthew 22:36–40 (NIV)

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

This Scripture isn’t talking about just romantic love, but agape the selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love God shows us. It’s choosing to care, forgive, and serve others even when it’s inconvenient.

Real-life application: Choose to pray for someone who hurt you.

Gift someone today out with compassion, not just convenience.

2. Joy

I am of the opinion that joy isn’t the same as happiness. It's deeper rooted in the assurance of God’s presence and promises, even in difficult circumstances. I often say this to myself in those moments I feel like nothing makes sense around me, “so I know this is when you are closest to me Lord, and I choose to find joy in this moment”, the Joy of the Lord is my Strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV): “Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

This scripture is a reminder that our strength doesn’t come from circumstances, energy, or even motivation, it flows from God’s joy. His joy uplifts when life weighs us down, His joy empowers us when we feel weak.

Real-life application: Keep a gratitude journal and celebrate small wins and God’s faithfulness.

3. Peace

This is an inner calm I feel, and it’s anchored in Christ, not the circumstances or situations that surround me at that point in time. It’s what guards my heart when anxiety or fear tries to creep in. My favourite scripture which I declare to myself is “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Real-life application: When chaos surrounds you, pause and declare God’s Word “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Make sure you find a scripture and stick it somewhere you can easily see it and keep declaring over yourself, till it becomes a reality.

4. Patience (Forbearance)

I will summarize patience to mean enduring hardship, people, or waiting periods without losing yourself or your faith in God. This is one area of my life I struggled with until I surrendered to the Help of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:25 (ESV): “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

It’s a reminder that waiting is not wasted time, it’s often a refining time, just like a seed buried in the soil, unseen but growing, God is working behind the scenes. What you’re waiting for, whether it’s a breakthrough, healing, provision, or clarity, God sees it and if it’s His will, it will come.

Real-life application: Never allow the actions of others produce a negative or violent reaction from you. Instead of reacting in frustration to situations or hardships, respond with grace, also delay your reaction and ask God for perspective.

5. Kindness

Kindness is a heart posture that looks for opportunities to bless, even when nothing is expected in return. Kindness simply put is love in action.

Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Real-life application: Pay for someone’s meal, Leave an encouraging note, Smile genuinely it costs nothing but can mean everything.

6. Goodness

Goodness reflects integrity, honesty, and moral excellence. It’s doing what’s right, even when no one is watching.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Real-life application: Speak the truth in love, be consistent in character both in public and in private.

7. Faithfulness

Faithfulness means being reliable, trustworthy, and steadfast to God, to people, and to your purpose.

Proverbs 28:20a(NIV): “A faithful person will be richly blessed”

Real-life application: Follow through on promises. Stay committed to your spiritual growth, even when you don’t “feel” like it.

8. Gentleness

Gentleness is not weakness, it’s controlled strength, it’s choosing to handle others with care, even when you have the power not to.

Philippians 4:5(NIV):  “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

Real-life application: In conflict, lower your voice instead of raising it. Correct others with compassion, not condemnation.

9. Self-Control

The Spirit empowers us to master our desires instead of being mastered by them. It’s resisting what’s wrong, even when it feels right in the moment.

Proverbs 25:27(NIV): “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”

Real-life application: Set healthy boundaries. Pray before responding. Fast when you feel led, it trains discipline.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion from the little farming I have done, I have a deep understanding that just like natural fruit takes time, sunshine, water, and pruning to grow, so does the fruit of the Spirit. It’s not instant, and it’s not always easy, but the result is a life that looks more and more like Jesus and points others to Him. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress and becoming more like Christ through daily dependence on the Holy Spirit.

I pray today for everyone reading this, that may our lives continually bear fruit that reflect and points others to Jesus. Amen

Have you been in situations where you feel like one or more of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is being worked on in your life recently? Which one is the Holy Spirit prompting you to grow in this season? Kindly share in the comments below.

REFERENCE

biblegateway.com New International Version (NIV)

biblegateway.com New Living Translation (KJV)

biblegateway.com New Living Translation (ESV)