When the Apostle Paul wrote about the fruit of the Spirit, he gave us a beautiful list: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Galatians 5:22–23). It’s one of the most quoted passages in the New Testament.

But here’s something most of us have never considered: Paul wasn’t trying to give us a complete list. He was giving us a representative picture. In other words, he was saying, “Here are some of the changes you and others will notice as you increasingly abide in Jesus and walk by the Spirit.”

A Representative, Not Comprehensive, List

Once you see that, everything opens up. Now we can recognize that the fruit of the Spirit—#59 on my list of 70 things every man needs to know—also includes qualities such as faith, hope, humility, wisdom, courage, encouragement, power, and discipline. These are not separate from the fruit Paul listed. They are expressions of the same transforming work of the Spirit.

So instead of asking, “Do I have all nine fruits?” a better question is, “What fruit is God growing in me right now—even if it hurts, when nothing has changed, or it defies human logic?”

The Deeper Reality Behind the Fruit

As an individual, you are being increasingly transformed into the image of Jesus with ever-increasing glory (see 2 Corinthians 3:18 and Romans 8:29).

That is the main thing. The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of that transformation (change). It’s not something that might happen; it is happening—right now, with or without your cooperation.

But it becomes so much more pleasant, so much more joyful, and so much more effective when you abide in Jesus.

The “Aha” Many Men Miss

There is an “aha” moment in The Chosen when Little James asks Jesus why he hasn’t been healed.

Jesus doesn’t question James’ faith or deny His own power. Instead, He reframes everything. He tells him that if he were healed, he would have a good story to tell, yes, but there are already many who can tell that story.

Then He points to a greater story: the man who continues to trust God, praise God, and serve God without being healed. That’s the story fewer people can tell. And that’s the point many of us miss.

We assume the evidence of God’s work in us is improved circumstances. But often, the greater evidence is that we are changing in the midst of our existing circumstances—patience in suffering, faith without visible results, courage in weakness. These are not lesser fruits but rather some of the most powerful fruits of all.

Why Growth Feels Slow

Many men get discouraged along the way in the sanctification process (again, see 2 Corinthians 3:18 and Romans 8:29). We want immediate results, dramatic change, and visible progress. But growth is often gradual, quiet, and, at times, almost invisible.

Jesus told His followers to remain in Him and they would bear much fruit (see John 15:5). Notice He did not say, “Try harder and you will bear fruit.” He did not say, “Focus on the fruit and you will produce it.”

He simply said, “Remain in me.”

Abiding, Not Striving

Spiritual fruit is not the result of striving. It is the result of abiding. This is a completely different way to think about growth.

Jesus put it like this in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Your job is not to manufacture fruit. Your job is to stay attached to the vine.

When you do, something remarkable happens. Over time, you begin to notice real change—not because you forced it, but because God formed it:

• You become more patient in situations that used to trigger you.
• You respond with kindness when your instinct was to withdraw or react.
• You find courage where fear once dominated.
• You speak encouragement instead of criticism.
• You begin to exercise self-control in areas that once felt out of reach.

All of the above are my own personal examples. Maybe this has been your experience too. Or maybe you once felt like this but have since lost your way. Regardless, I pray each of us reading this will surrender to Jesus, abide in Him, and actively seek ways to spend our time, money, and talent to be increasingly transformed into His likeness.

This is the difference between a performance-based life and a grace-based life. In a performance-based life, you measure yourself by how well you’re doing. But in a grace-based life, you trust God to do in you what you cannot do for yourself.

I invite you into this kind of spiritual living today. Cooperate with the Spirit. Align your life with the rhythms that allow growth—Scripture, prayer, community, and obedience. And trust God with the outcome.

There is a quiet confidence that begins to take hold once you understand Who is at work in your life.

Your Fruit Feeds Others

Here’s one of the best parts of the fruit of the Spirit: The fruit is not just for you—it’s also for others.

Your patience becomes someone else’s peace. Your encouragement becomes someone else’s strength. Your courage becomes someone else’s inspiration. Your faith becomes someone else’s hope. This is how God multiplies His work.

So let me ask you: What kind of fruit is growing in your life?

Not what should be growing. Not what used to be growing. But what is God doing right now?

If you can identify growth in even one area, that’s evidence of His work. And where He is at work, there is always more to come.

Stay connected. Stay available. Stay faithful. Because over time you will become the man God intends you to be—not because of what you achieved, but because of the Spirit’s fruit that grows on your branch by grace.

Always on your side,

Pat

Reflection and Discussion

• Reflection (Heart): Where has God been doing deep work in you—work that may feel uncomfortable—that is producing fruit you didn’t expect?
• Understanding (Head): How does the story of Little James change or encourage the way you think about weakness, suffering, and spiritual growth?
• Application (Hands): Write down fruit of the Spirit that have appeared in your life simply by abiding in the vine. If unsure where to start your list, read Galatians 5:22-23 in the first paragraph and/or review my bulleted list above for ideas. Then take a moment and give God the praise, glory, honor, and thanks that only He is worthy to receive.