Fruit of the Spirit vs. Works of the Flesh

Attribute	Fruit of the Spirit	Works of the Flesh
Love	Yes	No
Joy	Yes	No
Peace	Yes	No
Patience	Yes	No
Kindness	Yes	No
Goodness	Yes	No
Faithfulness	Yes	No
Gentleness	Yes	No
Self-control	Yes	No
Adultery	No	Yes
Jealousy	No	Yes
Anger	No	Yes
Selfishness	No	Yes

Introduction

When it comes to living a life that is pleasing to God, Christians often refer to the concept of the Fruit of the Spirit and the Works of the Flesh. These two sets of attributes are found in the Bible, specifically in Galatians 5:22-23, where the Fruit of the Spirit is listed as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, while the Works of the Flesh are listed as sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two sets of attributes and how they impact the lives of believers.

Fruit of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit are qualities that are produced in the life of a believer through the work of the Holy Spirit. These attributes are seen as evidence of a transformed heart and a life that is in alignment with God's will. Love is the first fruit listed, and it is considered the most important of all the fruits. Love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional, reflecting the love that God has for His people. Joy is a deep-seated sense of contentment and peace that comes from knowing and trusting in God. Peace is the ability to remain calm and steady in the midst of trials and tribulations, knowing that God is in control.

Patience is the ability to endure difficult circumstances without losing hope or faith in God's promises. Kindness is the act of showing compassion and grace to others, even when they do not deserve it. Goodness is the moral excellence and integrity that comes from following God's commands. Faithfulness is the loyalty and commitment to God and His Word, even when faced with opposition or persecution. Gentleness is the humility and meekness that comes from recognizing one's own weaknesses and relying on God's strength. Self-control is the ability to resist temptation and make wise choices that honor God.

Works of the Flesh

In contrast to the Fruit of the Spirit, the Works of the Flesh are sinful behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's will. These attributes are driven by selfish desires and a lack of regard for God's commands. Sexual immorality encompasses any form of sexual activity outside of marriage, including adultery, fornication, and pornography. Impurity refers to thoughts, words, and actions that are morally corrupt and defiled. Sensuality is the pursuit of pleasure and gratification at the expense of holiness and righteousness.

Idolatry is the worship of anything or anyone other than God, whether it be material possessions, relationships, or personal ambitions. Sorcery involves the use of occult practices and supernatural powers for personal gain or control. Enmity is the state of being actively opposed or hostile towards others, leading to conflict and division. Strife is the promotion of discord and contention, causing unrest and chaos in relationships. Jealousy is the resentment and envy of others' success or blessings, leading to bitterness and strife.

Fits of anger are outbursts of rage and violence that stem from unresolved issues and uncontrolled emotions. Rivalries are competitions and conflicts that arise from a spirit of pride and selfish ambition. Dissensions are disagreements and disputes that result in division and disunity among believers. Divisions are factions and schisms that separate the body of Christ and hinder the work of the kingdom. Envy is the desire for what others have, leading to covetousness and discontentment. Drunkenness is the abuse of alcohol or substances that impairs judgment and inhibits self-control. Orgies are excessive and indulgent gatherings that promote immorality and debauchery.

Impact on Believers

The Fruit of the Spirit and the Works of the Flesh have a profound impact on the lives of believers and their witness to the world. When believers exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit, they reflect the character of Christ and draw others to Him. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are attractive qualities that demonstrate the power of God's transforming grace in a person's life. These fruits bear witness to the work of the Holy Spirit and the reality of God's presence in the believer.

On the other hand, when believers exhibit the Works of the Flesh, they tarnish their testimony and hinder their effectiveness in sharing the gospel. Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these are destructive behaviors that lead to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and spiritual bondage. These works reveal a heart that is not surrendered to God and a life that is controlled by sinful desires.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Fruit of the Spirit and the Works of the Flesh are two contrasting sets of attributes that reflect the spiritual condition of believers. The Fruit of the Spirit are qualities that are produced by the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, demonstrating a heart that is surrendered to God and a life that is transformed by His grace. The Works of the Flesh, on the other hand, are sinful behaviors and attitudes that stem from selfish desires and a lack of regard for God's commands. As believers, we are called to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives and to reject the Works of the Flesh, so that we may be effective witnesses for Christ and bring glory to God in all that we do.