9 Fruits God Loves

Who among us does not enjoy breathing in the fragrance of fruit? As we pass a fruit stand or shop, our noses catch the sweet scent of all kinds of ripe fruit ready to eat. Even more so when visiting strawberry, wax apple, or mango orchards ... oh, we really have to keep our hands in check so we do not pick carelessly.

Fragrance is a sign that the fruit is ripe, fresh, ready for harvest, and good nourishment for us. In the same way that we love the aroma of ripe fruit, God also pays attention to the fruits of our character. Do not be discouraged if you feel you have not yet become ripe fruit. God gives special attention to His children who long to grow good fruits of character.

Christianity and the fruit harvest

The Christian life is like fruit cultivation. To produce a good harvest, we must have a good-quality tree as well. The Lord Jesus is that good tree (John 15:1-8). So, make sure you are growing on the right tree.

“But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” (Romans 8:9)

A quality tree comes from good seed. And the best seed to plant in your heart is the word of God. When you grow the seed of God's truth, His Spirit will enable you to express what is good and right.

On the other hand, beware of rotten and foul-smelling fruit that may grow on your spiritual tree.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, dissension, a divisive spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21a)   

At first glance, the harvest above looks tempting and is sought after by many people because its fruit is pleasing to the flesh. However, that  is not what God likes.

So then, what fruits does God love?

Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

How beautiful is the life of a person who produces the fruits of the Spirit. Why? Because even from afar, God can recognize you by the fragrance of your character.

1. Love

Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, we know that love does not look at ethnicity, race, religion, status, or background. Love is unconditional, which means being willing to give (material things, time, feelings, thoughts, and more). The clearest proof of love is Jesus Christ Himself, who loved sinners like us (Romans 5:8).

2. Joy

Joy is different from happiness. Happiness arises only when circumstances are good, while joy does not depend on situation or condition. Joy is the expression of the Holy Spirit working perfectly, even in times of trouble. Have this fruit so that we are able to rejoice in every circumstance (2 Corinthians 6:10).

3. Peace

This fruit is God's special gift to each of His followers. The world can offer many passing pleasures, but true peace is found only in the Lord. And here is the secret: Peace is not what appears on the outside, but what comes from within (John 14:7).

4. Patience

The fruit of patience is seen in a person who is willing to endure and remain steadfast when facing suffering. Patiently waiting for God's promise, which will be beautiful in His time. Patiently helping other people's lives to change. God is patient with our offenses, so we too must be patient with others (1 Corinthians 13:4).

5. Kindness

Kindness is inseparable from Jesus. Because of His kindness we are saved and called (Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, we must be kind to others and offer our whole lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

6. Goodness

Goodness shines through our actions. What is good in human eyes is not necessarily good and pleasing in God's sight. But what is good in God's sight will surely be worthy in human eyes (Matthew 5:16).

7. Faithfulness

A faithful person has the resolve not to stray from the commitment or promise he has made. Faithful means dedicating oneself to something or someone (a relationship). Our standard of faithfulness affects the way we see every matter that comes. And God sees our faithfulness (Luke 19:17). Let us remain faithful so that we may finish the race of faith well in Christ (2 Timothy 4:7).

8. Gentleness

A gentle person easily forgives wrongs, but that does not mean weak. Such a person is not quick to judge wrongly, and is able to control the emotions, thoughts, behavior, and strength within. A gentle person is usually also humble, willing to be guided and shaped according to God's teaching (Matthew 11:29).

9. Self-Control

By having this fruit, we can control ourselves when facing temptation. The world offers many things that can disappoint God's heart, and we need true knowledge so that we are able to exercise self-control (2 Peter 1:5-7).

Indeed, no human being is perfect. Yet God wants us to strive to become like Christ, namely by harvesting the fruits of the Spirit whose fragrance delights His heart. Amen.