Fruits of the Spirit Above God-Given Gifts

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Fruits of the Spirit Above God-Given Gifts

In the world of Christian service, it’s easy to celebrate spiritual gifts like preaching, singing, prophesying, healing, and teaching. These gifts are beautiful, powerful, and God-given. But there’s something even more important in God’s eyes: the fruits of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” These are not glamorous abilities we show off on platforms. They are quiet proofs of maturity. They reflect who we are, not just what we can do.

You can be a firebrand preacher and still be proud. You can sing like angels and still lack patience. You can prophesy accurately and still treat people with contempt. Sadly, we sometimes place more value on being “gifted” than being Christlike.

God desires our character before charisma. The gifts draw men, but it is the fruit that keeps them. You may attract a spouse, an audience, or an opportunity with your talent, but only fruit will sustain relationships, influence, and favor.

The Bible warns in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Not their gifting, not their title, but their fruit. This means our love, humility, gentleness, and faithfulness are what truly matter to God.

In your walk with God, aim to bear fruit before chasing platforms. Let people say, “She is kind,” “He’s gentle,” not just “Wow, they’re anointed!” Because when gifts fade or slow down, character will still stand tall.

So, let’s seek to be fruitful first, and then let the gifts flow. Meanwhile, a life rooted in the Spirit will naturally grow into both.

Shalom!