Differentness brings distinction. God has called you and I not to be like the world. He has called us to be different. What was Jesus like on earth? Find out more about his nine qualities.

What is the Fruit of the Spirit?

The Fruit of the Spirit is the nine character traits of Jesus, placed in seed form, in the human spirit of the Christian at the new birth. These qualities are placed in your human (reborn spirit) at the new birth. If you’re saved, all nine of these were placed in seed form in your reborn human spirit when you invited Jesus Christ into your life.

These are the nine qualities that make you different (as Christians) from others. It is the responsibility of the Believer in partnership with the Holy Spirit to grow and develop in the character of Jesus (in Christ-likeness).

We need the Holy Spirit. It is Him who came inside of us to help us to do this. This is the difference between the works of the flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit.

“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

— 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT

Salvation is not the goal of the Christian Journey.

Salvation is not the goal of the Christian journey. Salvation is one of the most important things that you can engage in, and one of the most important decisions you make…. but it is the door way to the Christian journey. The goal of the Christian journey is Christ-likeness. This is why God sent His Spirit to live in us, so that we become more and more like Christ.

What was Jesus like on the Earth? Here are His Nine Qualities:

Differentness brings distinction. God has called you and I to not be like the world. He has called us to be different. Matthew 5 ; Phill. 2:1 — You and I, should be so different that it brings us distinction. If the world is going to pay attention to us, they have to see a difference.

Love — It is a character trait of Jesus Christ and should be one for Believers. Love means to care like God.
Proof Text: (John 13:34-35) The distinctive quality of this love is the object. The object of this love is outward, it isn’t inward. Love is selfless. This Love thinks about others. It thinks about what’s best for others. It never thinks about what’s best for me. It’s extremely generous. This love reacts differently…(Matthew 5:44) When people talk badly about you, how do you react? When people treat you badly, how do you react?
Joy — A inner rejoicing not dependent on circumstances.
Proof Text: (Habakkuk 3:7-18 NKJV) Even when it looks like you’re failing, you will rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of your Salvation. (1 Corinthians 8:2 NKJV) Distinctive quality is Focus. Focusing on the victory beyond the present (now). Joyful Christians see “victory” with the eye of faith. (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV) You will never have Joy looking at the present.
Peace — Undisturbed mind and heart.
Proof Text: (Mark 4:38) This is supernatural peace, right in the middle of the storm. It made him so different, that the disciples asked, “Don’t you care?” Peaceful Christians are not anxious or moody. There is a consistency of thoughts, attitudes, and disposition.
Long-suffering — To be long-tempered. Not easily upset or disturbed by the faults, weaknesses, failures, or ignorances of others. Bearing with difficult people. Proof Text: (Mark 16:7 NLT) (John 21:15 NLT). We have 12 men following Jesus for years, at the time when He (Jesus) really needed them to stand with Him, they all deserted Him. Specifically, Peter denied Him 3 times. Jesus is aware of what Peter did, but He remains governed by the Fruit of the spirit rather than totally discarding him. He is willing to give him another chance despite being betrayed by Peter.
Gentleness — To be compassionate. To extend sincere respect to others regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, status, etc. Proof Text: (Proverbs 19:22) (Matthew 19:13-15 NLT). The disciples scolded the parents and spoke sharply to them. The Message Bible says they “shooed off” the children. Jesus corrected the disciples, fully appreciated the children’s worth and need, and prayed for them.
Goodness — Christ-likeness demonstrated in good works or acts shown toward others. Generous of self and possessions for the benefit of others with no ulterior motive. Proof Text: (Acts 9:36 CEV & Message Bible) Tabitha was a follower of Jesus who always gave to the poor and did good things for people.
Faithfulness - Trustworthiness (to keep your word/promise), dependability (being reliable and carrying out our responsibilities), and perseverance (refusing to quit). Proof Text: ** Jesus was faithful in every aspect (above) in relation to leaving Heaven and sacrificing His life.
Meekness - A mindset of being teachable, submission to human authority, and leadership of the Father. Proof Text: (Luke 2:46,52) Here is Jesus as a child, in the temple, and He is listening to them and asking questions. (Matthew 3:13-16) Jesus knew, based on scripture, that God called John the Baptist to do what He was doing. Jesus recognized the human authority that God has given John the Baptist.
Temperance - Self-control. The strength to stand against excess (thoughts, words, sexual desire, emotions, eating, work, relationships, spending, etc). The ability to say no to sin and yes to God in the midst of temptation. Proof Text: (Matthew 4:1-11).