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God tells us in His word that the greatest of the gifts we can receive through His spirit is love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” – John 3:16. His love is freely given to all who come to Him through Jesus, and He desires for us to share His love with the world around us. “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” – Matthew 12: 37-39.
Joy is what you experience when you fully trust God and surrender your life to Him knowing that no matter what happens, He has a plan and a purpose for your life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11. A joyful heart doesn’t come from the things of this world, it’s a gift of the Lord through the Holy Spirit living in you. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” – Romans 14:17
Jesus knows that you will face many trials in this life. You might be struggling financially, dealing with a failing relationship, mourning the loss of a loved one, or facing a difficult health challenge. When the Holy Spirit dwells in you, nothing of this world can steal your peace because Jesus has promised us a life greater than this one! “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” – John 16:33. Peace is a reward for a life lived for the Lord, and a gift you can share with those around you. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” – Proverbs 16:7
Patience as a gift of the Holy Spirit is not just for us to experience, but something for us to show toward others in our lives. “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone”- Thessalonians 5:14. As hard as we may try to live up to the example that Jesus has set for us, we will all fall short of God’s glory. Thankfully, the Lord is filled with unlimited patience. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” – Peter 3:9. Remember that the next time you feel like your patience is being tested.
The Lord desires for us to show kindness to others just as He has shown His kindness to us. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” – Ephesians 4:32. That’s not always easy to do, especially in a society with forces that want to divide us and pit us against each other. With Jesus though, there are no exceptions. “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” – Luke 6:35
When we act out of goodness, we are being obedient to God’s commandments and our actions are pleasing to Him. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” – Galatians 6:10. Remember, it is not in our own nature to show unselfish goodness, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be a reflection of God’s own goodness to us. “And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone” – Mark 10:18
Believing in God is one thing. But to fully trust Him in everything and in every circumstance of our lives requires great faithfulness. That spiritual fruit can only come when we have an unbending trust in the Lord. “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3. Our faithfulness can only grow by having a personal relationship with Christ. If we are truly faithful to Him and obey His commands, this will be evident in our lives. “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished” – Proverbs 28:20
Gentleness is not something you see in people who are prideful, or in someone who is easily angered or seeking revenge. The spiritual gift of gentleness comes from a state of humility, it’s a reflection of how Jesus treated others. “To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” – Titus 3:2. When the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you will find the strength to show gentleness even in those truly difficult times. “You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great” – Psalm 18:35
Of all the spiritual gifts, self-control may be the one lacking the most in society today. Self-control comes when we learn to respond to situations with God’s love and grace, rather than our own emotions. “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” – Proverbs 13:3. Self-control though isn’t just how we respond to others. It’s how we avoid the trappings and temptations of this world to stay true to the life God has called us to. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” – Romans 12:1-2.