The Fruit of the Spirit is...
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Misquoted Scripture Passage
Let's start this study with some simple understanding. I would like you to notice this passage of scripture is one of the most misquoted scriptures from the Bible. Most everyone quotes this in the plural form... "The Fruits of the Spirit". However, it is actually written in the singular form 'The Fruit' not 'The Fruits'. This may seem insignificant to most, yet it is incorrect and implies things that are not true.
Plural vs Singular
When looking at it from the plural form it would imply that you may have faith, but no self control (temperance). This misinterpretation could allow for any combination of the fruits whether lacking or included in your life. Viewing it from the singular aspect would show that all these are part of one. So, the correct phrase is 'The Fruit of the Spirit is'... Not... 'The Fruits of the Spirit are'.
A Statement of Singularity
Seeing the thought of 'the Fruit of the Sprit is' as being a statement of singularity reveals a different understanding of this scripture passage. Now reading the passage as it is truly intended, you have to conclude that instead of the Spirit having separate or disparate fruits, it is in fact nine different attributes of the one fruit. In other words, the Spirit is understood and discerned by all these attributes. In order to truly be a sanctified child of God, we must have them all.
Example Illustrations
Just like an apple has different attributes that make an apple an apple, the Spirit of God has attributes that make Him who He is. If an apple was missing any of its attributes, you wouldn’t eat it. It is the same with the Spirit of God. Without all the attributes of the Spirit working correctly, He would not be whole.
Attributes of an Apple
Attributes of the Spirit
Likewise, the Holy Spirit of God is given to the true believer to make us whole and complete. The Spirit is also given to you and I to enable us to be like Him and to worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
True Fellowship With God
John 4:23-24 (KJV)
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
God also desires fellowship with you. True fellowship with the Lord is when His Spirit is free to influence you in all nine of these attributes through your heart and soul.
Just as Jesus tells His disciples how to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” let us allow His will to be done in us as freely as it is done in heaven!
Please pray with us...
Father, we humbly acknowledge that you are holy and complete and that we without your spirit and strength fail to live like you. Please cleanse us and wash us from all selfish and vain desires and let your will be done in us as freely as it is in heaven.
-Amen
Sowing The Word | Bible Study Blog is a ministry of the church of God of Mount Vernon, Ohio
