Still Growing: Lessons from the Fruit of the Spirit

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

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

As I reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit, I realize that each one represents an area where God has been working in my life. I didn’t learn these things overnight, and I certainly haven’t mastered them. But through Jesus, His Word, His grace, and the people He has placed in my life, I am becoming more like Him.

❤️ LOVE

I would have never learned how to truly love others without Christ’s example and His help in forgiving those who have hurt me—even my enemies. Jesus showed me that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice to forgive, extend grace, and love others even when it’s difficult.

😊 JOY

I would have never understood what true joy was until I experienced God’s grace, mercy, and favor. My joy doesn’t depend on everything going right. It comes from knowing that God loves me, is with me, and has given me far more than I deserve.

🕊️ PEACE

I would have never experienced true peace until I surrendered my life to the Lord. Surrendering my fears and trusting God has changed me. I no longer have to battle fear the way I once did—even the fear of death—because I know my life is in His hands.

⏳ PATIENCE

I would have never learned patience if God hadn’t given me a family! Especially my children! 😂 They have taught me that patience is not something I simply have; it is something I have to practice. God has used the people closest to me to teach me how to slow down, listen, wait, and love through the process.

💕 KINDNESS

My best friend, Christie, has taught me a great deal about kindness. I used to be brutally honest without realizing how fragile and tender people can be. I’ve learned that telling the truth doesn’t have to mean being harsh. Kindness allows us to speak truth with love, compassion, and grace.

🌿 GOODNESS

The Word of God has taught me what is good and what is not. It has also helped get rid of my “stinking thinking!” 😂 When I fill my mind with God’s Word and begin to act more like Jesus, I become a better person. And honestly, it feels great! There is something beautiful about knowing that God is transforming the way I think, speak, and live.

🙏 FAITHFULNESS

I have a strong faith in God, but being faithful—staying committed without turning to the left or the right—can still be a struggle. It’s so easy to become distracted or to put our trust in other things. The Israelites turned to idols, and we can do the same thing today. Faithfulness means continually choosing God, trusting Him, and keeping Him first.

🌸 GENTLENESS

This one took me some time, too. But the closer I get to Jesus, the gentler I become. He is teaching me to respond with compassion instead of reaction, and with grace instead of judgment. The more I understand His heart toward me, the more I want to show that same gentleness to others.

🍎 SELF-CONTROL

Last but not least—and probably my biggest struggle! 😂 I am an impulsive person, and I am still learning to practice self-control. Especially when it comes to eating! But I’m learning that self-control isn’t about perfection. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to help me pause, make wise choices, and bring my desires under God’s direction.

🌱 Still Growing

When I look at these nine fruits, I don’t see nine things I’ve mastered. I see nine areas where God is still growing me.

The Fruit of the Spirit is evidence that the Holy Spirit is changing us from the inside out. And just like fruit takes time to grow, it needs cultivation, pruning, watering, sunshine, and growth.

I’m still growing.

I’m still learning.

I’m still being transformed.

And I’m so grateful that God isn’t finished with me yet!