Last Updated 08/25/2026
Fruits of the Holy Spirit explained begins with the timeless teaching found in the Epistle to the Galatians where believers are shown how spiritual character is formed and lived out daily. In the Bible Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) we read about the 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit which are: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance. These are not symbolic ideas but practical Christian character traits meant to guide how we think, respond, and interact with others. To walk in the Spirit means allowing these qualities to shape our choices, attitudes, and behavior in every circumstance.
These virtues describe the evidence of spiritual growth in Christ and help explain what the fruits of the Holy Spirit look like in everyday Christian living. Rather than focusing on outward appearance, this teaching calls attention to the inner transformation that leads to Christlike behavior. When practiced intentionally, these fruits influence our relationships, strengthen our faith and help us respond with patience, kindness, and self control. Living by these principles is part of walking in the Spirit and pursuing a life that honors God through every day actions. Jesus Christ exhibited these fruits when he walked on earth. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
Video on the 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Below is a video that explains the 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit.
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Was it Really an Apple That Eve Ate of?
Just as when Eve ate of the forbidden fruit (the so-called apple) that Satan had tempted her with. Most people perceive it to have been an apple that we eat from the tree. No, this was the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3:5 (KJV) it reads: “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” She received (ate of) the knowledge from the evil one. He knew all too well of this knowledge.
And because she listened to him and drank in the information, the Bible speaks of her eating the forbidden fruit. So we must understand the way GOD speaks. His knowledge and understanding is far beyond what we could ever fathom or comprehend. We must not take what we read in the Bible so literally.
So it Was Not Actually an Apple Per Se…
Most tend to take God’s words literally, but if you read his word (The Truth) with wisdom and understanding of the Holy Spirit, you will see that He is often not literal in His scriptures. It was actually that she was beguiled by the evil one and she succumbed to his ways and his thinking, believing in him and what he told her. Because of the first sin, evil had crept in and entered the world.
The first murder was committed through Adam and Eve’s son Cain. He became wicked and full of iniquity. He showed jealousy and hatred toward his brother Abel because GOD was pleased with his offering. However, GOD was not pleased with Cain’s offering which is why he slew his brother Abel.
Let Us Break Down What Are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit and Their Meaning
Many people ask, what are the fruits of the Holy Spirit? There are 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) and we will be discussing them below. This is what is called the fruit of the spirit Bible study. These fruits are what we portray to others as a result of feeding our souls what is needed in the guide Soul Food Is the Key of Life.
We will also be giving reference to the Bible and what GOD says are the characteristics of how we are to develop our souls to bear these fruits of the Holy Spirit. This is because we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us and we should as Christians, learn how to live by the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. That is those of us who truly love the LORD and give reverence to Him.
One beautiful nature reminder of abundance and fruitfulness can be found in the biblical symbolism of the pomegranate. Read more about the pomegranate biblical meaning and spiritual symbolism.
Starting With the First of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit Which Is Love
The first commandment in the Bible is… “Thou shalt love the LORD with all thy heart, and all thy strength, and all thy might.” Love is often seen as the foundation of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit because it influences how we express the others. In fact it is the most powerful word of all. Jesus is Love. In 1 John 4:19 (KJV) it says: “We love Him because He first loved us.” He loves us all unconditionally, regardless of what we have done. He forgives us of all our sins, if we give our lives to Him.
In fact GOD’s love is so powerful that he Gave his only begotten Son that we may have life and have it more abundantly. He sacrificed his only begotten Son for the redemption of our sins, so that we may have a second chance at life and salvation to live eternally with him.
Jesus exhibited Love, which is the first of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, when he walked the earth. He taught his disciples to spread the Gospel and Love all over. This is what we as Christians are to do as well. John 15:10 (KJV) reads: “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love.” And in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) it reads: “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the Truth.” However, in the (KJV) it uses the word charity over love.
Fruit of the Vine
Jesus said to his disciples: “You did not choose me, I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. So, I command you to love each other.” Therefore, just as he told his disciples in the Bible days; We, being his disciples in today’s time, are to do the same; spread the Gospel and love one another and produce lasting fruit. In this case he was speaking of the fruit of the vine, because Jesus is the True Vine, and we are the fruit of the vine. And we, being fruit, are to produce more fruit.
The Second of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit Being Joy
Joy is one of the most uplifting of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit because the joy of the LORD is our strength. Jesus wants us to spread joy all over the world. When we have one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit of joy in our hearts we are at peace. Living by the Holy Word gives us joy, everlasting joy that surpasses all understanding. In John 15:11 (KJV) he says: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
We are to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. In 1 Peter 1:8-9 (KJV) reads “Joy Unspeakable: Whom having not seen, ye love, in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing; ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” When we have the Holy Spirit, we have the fruits of the Holy Spirit of unspeakable joy in our hearts that we carry wherever we go and spread it to others in love.
In Psalm we read about joy particularly in Psalm 16:11 (KJV) it reads: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” And 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV) reads: “Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is GOD’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.”
The Third of the Fruits of The Holy Spirit is Peace
One of the pieces of armor that we should all wear is to always trod with the shoes of peace. Peace is one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit that brings calm beyond all understanding. In the book of John verse 14 and chapter 27 in the King James version reads: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Psalm 29:11 (KJV) speaks of peace as well saying: “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” There is a well known verse that is also in a spiritual song that says: “He will keep you in perfect peace, if you keep your mind stayed on Him.” This means that if we abide with Him he will abide in us and we will always have peace.
Finding Peace in the Storms of Life
In the book of Mark it speaks about a storm that came upon the disciples when Jesus was with them in the boat. The angry seas and heavy winds had tossed the boat about. They became very afraid and fearful of their lives. When they looked for Jesus they found him asleep. They woke him and asked him how can you sleep, we are in a storm? And he replied, ye of little faith. So it reads in Mark 4:39 (KJV): And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
He states as well in Matthew 5:9 (KJV) “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD.” Therefore, we are to walk in peace and keep peace between our brothers and sisters giving all the glory and honor unto GOD. It states also in Psalm 37:11 (KJV): “But the meek shall inherit the earth: and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” And finally, in Philippians 4:7 (KJV)says: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The Fourth One is Long Suffering or in Other Bibles it Says Patience or Forbearance
Long suffering is one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit that teaches patience, endurance, and trust in GOD’s timing. Because we wait on the Lord for answered prayers, but sometimes we do not always get an answer right away. For our time is not GOD’s time. He is perfect in his timing and He is never late but always right on time. Therefore, a long time for us could be like a minute or a second to him. After all he is everlasting to everlasting, he is an eternal GOD; so what he does and how he does, when he does, transcends time and space.
If we read 2 Peter 3:8-9 (KJV) it reads: “But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the LORD as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 9: “The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Being Refined by the Fire
The Bible speaks about us being put through the Fire. Now this is not a burning and consuming fire as we read about Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. But it is the refining of our souls and building up of our character in the Spirit as we go through our trials and tribulations. This is GOD’s way of shaping us to be the best versions of ourselves. In Numbers 14:18 (KJV) it reads: “The Lord is long suffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.”
This simply means that the LORD waits for us to come to him for what we need. For some it may take a long while. In the meantime GOD waits for us to realize that we need him. He does not force himself upon us but he waits for us to open up our hearts to him and let him in.
Waiting on the Lord
When we wait on the LORD, this is another example of long suffering. Romans 12:19 (KJV) says: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the LORD.” Therefore, we are not to take revenge on our enemies or those who do us wrongfully. But we are to be kind to others including the ones who do wrong to us. So it is in our long suffering that we wait on the Lord for his vengeance. The battle is not ours but it is the LORD’s.
We Must be Patient and Practice Patience in All We Do
Have you ever heard the saying “patience is a virtue” This may be one of the most challenging fruits to hold on to. There are many things that push our patience to be impatient. Psalm 37:7-8 (KJV) reads: “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” 8: “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
We are to hold our peace even when people try to provoke us. We are to conduct ourselves just as Jesus did in all situations. He is our example to live by.
The Fifth of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit is Gentleness
We are gentle souls in nature. It is not until sin creeps in that takes away our gentleness. In Matthew 11:29-30 (KJV) the LORD says: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” 30: “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” We are to be like Jesus Christ and be gentle toward one another. When we show gentleness to others it resonates with them and they do not forget. In Psalm 18:35 (KJV) it reads: “Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.”
More on Being Gentle…
As it says in 2 Timothy 2:24 (KJV): “And the servant of the LORD must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” A person exuding gentleness is kind and considerate of other people’s needs; and gives the benefit of doubt allowing for others’ mistakes. We can all say this prayer from time to time: “Dear God, when I am angry or upset, please help me to be gentle in the things I say and do instead of being harsh or mean: Amen.”
We can learn from this prayer and keep it in remembrance and not stray from it. For in the book of Proverbs chapter 15 and verse 1 (KJV) says: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger,” and verse 4 goes on to say: “A wholesome (gentle) tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”
Out of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit the Sixth One is Goodness
The Bible speaks of the goodness of GOD throughout. We experience his goodness every day when we open our eyes to witness another day. There is a song titled “I will Sing of The Goodness of GOD.” Most people take this for granted. Be followers of Jesus Christ and know that it is because of his love and goodness that we are still here.
And we praise him and thank him for blessing us with each day he gives us. We find in Psalm 31:19 (KJV) it reads: “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” We also find in the last verse of the Psalm of David Psalm 23:6 (KJV) reads: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
The word good means holy, pure and righteousness. Goodness is actually godliness. So, we being the mirrored image of GOD should show goodness every day of our lives. We are kind to people out of the goodness of our hearts. We are helpful to people out of the goodness of our hearts. When our LORD Jesus came to earth, he healed the sick, he gave sight to the blind, and he healed the broken hearted. This exemplified the goodness of his heart. GOD is good all the time, and all the time GOD is good.
The Seventh of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit is Faith
In the book of Matthew in chapter 17 (KJV) speaks of a man who begged Jesus to heal his son who was devil possessed. He had brought him to the disciples, but they could not heal him. And later on after Jesus healed the boy, the disciples asked him why they could not heal him. This is what he told them in Matthew 17:20-21 (KJV) it reads: “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief, for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed
Jesus said that we should have the faith of a mustard seed. But as I mentioned earlier, GOD does not speak literally about things. Most would take that to mean we only have to have just a little faith, because a mustard seed is very little. I used to think this way as well, until I grew older and learned better. But in actuality a mustard seed grows into one of, if not the largest of trees. As we grow spiritually, so does our faith also grow. So therefore our faith, though it starts out very small, should grow huge as the matured mustard tree and is what we all should live by; Having complete faith in Jesus Christ.
If we trust in Him completely he will always be with us and there for us. As we read in Matthew 13:31-32 (KJV), it says: “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field.” 32: “Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.”
Living by Faith
Jesus came into the world unto the Jews because we could not live by the law. So Jesus manifested himself into flesh and was born of Mary as baby Jesus. When he became of age he began to go about his Father’s business. He came to us to teach us the Gospel so that we can learn the ways of the Father and what is expected of us. He came so that we could have life everlasting. As it was, we all had fallen short of the LORD and were all to perish.
But GOD loves us so that he sent his Son Jesus to pay the price for all of our sins; so that we may have a chance to be with him again in heaven. His death was the most horribly violent death ever, because he bore the sins of the whole world. That is every sin that ever existed.
He gave his life and took the punishment for us all. So, all that believe in the Father and the Son who is actually one and the same; If we believe that Jesus gave his life for us that he died on the cross and rose again and ascended back to heaven; shall not perish but have eternal life in the presence of GOD.
Now the Eighth of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit is Meekness
Jesus showed meekness in most all his endeavors on earth. This is one of the things Jesus said to his disciples when he gave the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:5 (KJV) says “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” It means that we should remain humble in all that we do. Psalm 37:11 (KJV) reads: “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Matthew 11:29 (KJV) also speaks of meekness wherein it says: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me. For I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Jesus was the example in how we should live and follow in his steps. We are to be meek by submitting ourselves completely to His will not ours. Being meek is not a sign of weakness but exactly the opposite. To exercise meekness and self control takes a great deal of strength, to let go of your own power (your pride), and to give it over to the LORD. Then you are stronger because you have the strength of the LORD, the Holy Spirit inside you and working for you.
And the last but not least Ninth of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit is Temperance or Self Control
In Proverbs 25:28 (KJV) it tells us: “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.” When Esau gave up his birthright just for a bowl of stew was an example of a lack of self control. Having temperance or self control is the active effort to resist the temptation of the devil and his evil ways. Once we are filled with GOD’s Holy Spirit, then we should have temperance within us and we will not conform back to the ways of the world.
Temperance and self control can also apply to the everyday choices we make concerning what we put into our bodies. Learning to recognize unhealthy cravings and practicing moderation can be an important part of developing greater discipline. For a closer look at how excessive sugar can effect the body and why controlling sugar cravings may be important for overall wellness, read Sugar is Bad and the Harmful Effects of Sugar on the Body.
Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness
Jesus exuded temperance in all he did; even when the devil tried to tempt him in the wilderness. God sent Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, and was very weak and hungry. Even in his weakness he was able to overcome the evil one. When he told him: If thou be the Son of GOD, command that these stones be made bread so he could eat. And Jesus answered him and said in Matthew 4:4 (KJV)“It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD.”
Also when the devil took him up into the Holy city on the top of the temple, and said: “If thou be the Son of GOD, cast thyself down.” Then Jesus answered him saying, “For it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” In Matthew 4:7 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the LORD thy GOD.”
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. And he said to him in Matthew 4:9 (KJV): “All these things will I give to thee, if thou will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him in Matthew 4:10 (KJV): “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the LORD thy GOD, and Him only shalt thy serve.” Then in Matthew 4:11 (KJV) it says: “Then the devil leaveth Him, and behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.”
The following section reflects biblical teachings on purity, self control, and abstinence before marriage from a Christian perspective.
Abstinence from Premarital Intercourse
This is very important for us to stick with but is very difficult in today’s society. The most difficult thing is to remain abstinent from intercourse before marriage. The Bible speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 (KJV) as it reads: “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but be that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” 19: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God and ye are not your own?”
Many young women including myself suffered ridicule by their peers because they practiced abstinence. The boys would pressure them by threatening to leave the relationship if they don’t submit. Sadly, even some grown men act this way as well. The peer pressure in school puts a great deal of stress on a young lady trying to live her best, honoring the LORD and his commandments and statutes.
And stay within the Fruit of the Spirit Bible study…
It takes great self-control to abstain and remain pure and still have a boyfriend or even a fiance, unless he is also strong in the LORD and is very understanding. This is the prime example of Temperance or Self Control. The Bible teaches us for a man to know a woman in a carnal way, is a pleasure that is permitted through marriage only. When a man pledges himself to a woman in Holy Matrimony, then he gives his life to this woman and in exchange for his life he has God’s blessing to know her intimately and exclusively. It is actually the man, being covered by God who is supposed to show the woman how to live by the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. This is falling within the divine alignment.
These Fruit of the spirit Bible study teachings from Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) continue to guide Christians today.
If you would like to download the Bible for free you can get it here.
Apply the Fruits of the Holy Spirit in Your Daily Life
So now you know, if you didn’t already, what are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit and how important they are to live by in our daily lives. These are the characteristics of GOD and the example Jesus Christ showed us while walking the earth. We are to mirror His ways, His thinking, and His love toward others. By accepting the LORD into our hearts, as our LORD and Savior and repenting from our sins and wicked ways, we begin to walk in the Spirit and grow spiritually.
As Peter says in Acts 2:38 (KJV): “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on Calvary for our sins, rose again on the third day, and ascended into heaven. Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
Topics Covered: fruits of the holy spirit • 9 fruits of the holy spirit • what are the fruits of the holy spirit • how to live by the fruits of the holy spirit • fruit of the spirit Bible study
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