What are the fruits of the spirit: complete guide to the 9 virtues

what are the fruits of the spirit

Many people have come across the question, what are the fruits of the spirit, whether at church, in a Bible study, or from a passing mention in culture. At its heart, the phrase points to a set of qualities that grow in a person’s life when they live in step with God’s Spirit. These are not merely moral goals to strive for; they are signs of inner transformation that shape how we think, feel, relate, and act every day.

The classic list appears in St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity (or goodness), faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You can read the source text in Galatians 5:22–23 here: Galatians 5:22–23 on Bible Gateway (NRSVUE). For Christians, these virtues reveal the character of Jesus and describe the kind of person we become as the Spirit works in us. In practical terms, they are a wise, humane roadmap for character growth in everyday life.

Understanding what are the fruits of the spirit helps clarify the difference between short-lived good intentions and long-term transformation. It also offers a shared vocabulary for families, churches, and communities who want to cultivate a kinder and more resilient way of living together.

Where the Bible answers what are the fruits of the spirit

The most cited passage is Galatians 5:22–23. There, Paul contrasts the “works of the flesh” (destructive habits that fracture relationships) with the “fruit of the Spirit” (qualities that heal and reconcile). It is notable that he writes “fruit” in the singular, not “fruits” in the plural. This suggests a unified character emerging from the Spirit’s work, rather than nine unrelated traits. The Catechism of the Catholic Church expands this tradition and names twelve fruits, drawing on a wider Latin textual tradition: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity; you can see the official wording here: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1832.

If you are new to the topic and still asking what are the fruits of the spirit, think of them as evidence that God’s life is taking root within us. These qualities appear not because we force them, but because we cooperate with grace. For background on how Christians understand the Holy Spirit’s role, the Church of England provides a clear overview: introduction to the Holy Spirit (Church of England).

Defining each fruit of the Spirit

Below you will find a practical description of each fruit, with examples and common pitfalls. This is where the question what are the fruits of the spirit becomes highly concrete.

Love (charity)

Love is the decision to seek another’s good, even when it costs us. It includes compassion, commitment, and a willingness to forgive. In daily life, love looks like showing up for a struggling friend, refusing to gossip, or making time for people who cannot repay you. Common mistake: confusing love with mere sentiment. Genuine love involves sustained action and sometimes hard choices.

Joy

Joy is a deep, steady gladness rooted in God, not in changing circumstances. It can coexist with sorrow, because it rests on hope. Practically, joy means being able to delight in simple gifts, to give thanks, and to encourage others. Common mistake: equating joy with perpetual cheerfulness. Authentic joy can be quiet and resilient, not superficial.

Peace

Peace is inner wholeness and harmony with God and others. It allows us to think clearly, act calmly, and build reconciliation. Examples include de-escalating a tense conversation, refusing to retaliate, and creating space in your schedule to rest and pray. Common mistake: mistaking peace for passivity. Real peace often requires courageous truth-telling and hard work.

Patience (long-suffering)

Patience is the capacity to endure difficulties without giving in to bitterness or hurry. It looks like giving someone time to grow, delaying immediate gratification, or persevering through setbacks. Common mistake: seeing patience as doing nothing. In reality, it means doing the right thing at the right time, rather than demanding instant results.

Kindness

Kindness is active goodwill that meets practical needs. It can be as simple as a warm word, an unexpected favour, or a thoughtful message. Common mistake: reducing kindness to niceness. Kindness is robust, not weak; it can speak truth that helps someone change, while still being gentle.

Goodness (or generosity)

Goodness is moral integrity expressed in generous action. It means being trustworthy, fair, and open-handed. You might show goodness by giving generously, refusing to cut ethical corners at work, or standing up for someone being treated unjustly. Common mistake: settling for rule-keeping without compassion.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness is reliability rooted in loyalty to God and others. It shows in keeping promises, being steady in friendship, and persevering in your vocation. Common mistake: confusing stubbornness with faithfulness. Genuine faithfulness stays true while remaining teachable and humble.

Gentleness (meekness)

Gentleness is strength under control. It does not bulldoze others; it listens, respects, and corrects with care. In practice, gentleness can turn a confrontation into a conversation. Common mistake: thinking gentleness is weakness. In fact, it takes great inner power to respond gently when provoked.

Self-control (temperance)

Self-control brings desires and impulses under wise guidance. It helps us say “no” to what harms and “yes” to what heals. Examples include moderating screen time, tempering speech, and practising healthy habits. Common mistake: attempting self-control by willpower alone, instead of asking for grace and using practical supports.

Why what are the fruits of the spirit matters today

We live in a fast, distracted world full of pressure and conflict. Asking what are the fruits of the spirit is not an abstract exercise; it is a way of naming the virtues that protect our relationships and mental health. Love and gentleness soften the harshness of online discourse. Patience and self-control counter the culture of outrage and instant gratification. Joy and peace provide resilience amid anxiety and uncertainty.

Communities shaped by these qualities become safer places to learn, work, and belong. Families benefit as parents model faithfulness and kindness. Teams flourish when goodness and self-control guide decision-making. In short, the fruits show what God’s love looks like in public, not just in private.

How to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit

Growth is a cooperative work: God initiates, and we respond. While you cannot manufacture these qualities on command, you can create conditions in which they flourish. Even this practical approach helps answer what are the fruits of the spirit by showing how they grow in daily life.

• Pray daily, simply and honestly. Short, regular prayers invite God’s life to shape yours. If you find structured prayer helpful, this guide to the Divine Mercy Chaplet can anchor your routine.
• Stay rooted in Scripture. Read a small portion slowly. Ask: what does this reveal about God’s character? How might I live this today? The Galatians passage is a fertile place to begin.
• Practise examen and reflection. At day’s end, notice where you experienced love, joy, or patience; where you lacked them; and what you will try tomorrow. Small, consistent steps matter.
• Use community wisely. Accountability partners, small groups, or a trusted mentor can encourage growth and offer honest feedback.
• Serve regularly. Serving people in need stretches kindness, goodness, and gentleness in real-world conditions.
• Build wise boundaries. Self-control is easier when your environment supports it: limit temptations, set healthy rhythms, and seek support if needed.

Common misunderstandings about what are the fruits of the spirit

Several misconceptions can keep us stuck. Naming them helps us better answer what are the fruits of the spirit and live them out.

• “I must feel these qualities at all times.” No: the fruits are often quiet, steady dispositions rather than constant emotions.
• “If I try harder, I’ll have them.” Effort matters, but the fruits ultimately grow from grace. We cooperate, we do not control.
• “They are private virtues only.” Personal growth is vital, but the fruits reshape how we treat others, including strangers and critics.
• “They are the same as talents.” A talent is an ability; fruit is character. You can be talented and still unkind. Fruit transforms how you use any talent.
• “They are identical across traditions.” All mainstream Christian traditions value them, but lists and emphasis may vary.

Biblical context and variations

Across Christian history, there have been slightly different enumerations and emphases. The ninefold list from Galatians is standard in many Protestant traditions. In Catholic teaching, as noted above, the Catechism lists twelve, drawing from the Latin Vulgate and theological reflection on virtues that flow from the Spirit’s presence. For a neutral overview, see Britannica’s entry on the fruit of the Holy Spirit. If you are exploring how different Christian communities teach and practise the faith, you may find this comparison of traditions helpful: Orthodox vs Catholic: key differences.

Also, it helps to distinguish the fruits of the Spirit from the gifts of the Spirit (such as wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, and so on). Gifts equip us for service; the fruits reflect our character becoming Christlike. Put simply: gifts show what we can do; fruit shows who we are becoming.

Practical examples and scenarios

Sometimes the best way to grasp what are the fruits of the spirit is by imagining everyday situations:

• At work: A colleague misses a deadline again. Instead of shaming them, you speak the truth clearly (goodness), offer help to prevent repeat issues (kindness), and agree on realistic timelines (self-control and patience).
• In family life: A teenager is surly after a tough day. You choose to listen without interrupting (gentleness), affirm their worth (love), and return to the conversation later when emotions cool (peace and self-control).
• Online: You read a provocative post. Rather than reacting, you pause, fact-check, and reply respectfully—or choose not to engage (self-control, peace, and faithfulness to truth).

Recommended external resources

• Galatians 5:22–23 on Bible Gateway — the primary biblical text.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1832 — official Catholic list of the fruits.
• Church of England: What Christians believe about the Holy Spirit — accessible background theology.
• Britannica: Fruit of the Holy Spirit — concise overview and historical notes.

Related articles

• simple guide to the Divine Mercy Chaplet
• Orthodox vs Catholic: key differences

Frequently asked questions about what are the fruits of the spirit

Are the fruits of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit the same?

No. Gifts are abilities the Spirit gives for building up the Church (for example, teaching or wisdom), while fruits are the character traits that appear as we live in step with the Spirit. Both matter, but they are not identical.

Why does Paul say “fruit” and not “fruits”?

The singular “fruit” suggests a unified character. Think of it as one beautiful harvest with many aspects. When the Spirit is at work, all the qualities grow together over time, even if some mature sooner than others.

Do I need to feel joyful or peaceful to have those fruits?

Not necessarily. Joy and peace are often steady dispositions rather than constant feelings. You may feel sorrow and still have deep joy because it rests on hope, not circumstances. If you are asking what are the fruits of the spirit in hard times, remember that quiet faithfulness is also fruit.

How can I tell whether it is real fruit and not just behaviour?

Real fruit persists under pressure, improves relationships, and aligns with love for God and neighbour. It is not just occasional good behaviour when people are watching. Over time, others will notice increased trustworthiness, gentleness, and self-control.

Is there only one correct list: nine or twelve?

Galatians lists nine; some traditions, especially in Catholic teaching, list twelve. The differences reflect textual history and theological emphasis, not contradiction. Focus on the shared core: a life transformed into Christlike character.

Where should I start if I feel overwhelmed?

Start small. Choose one practice—such as a daily moment of prayer, or a gentle reply in place of a sharp one—and keep it for a week. Then review, and choose the next step. Little, consistent actions help what are the fruits of the spirit become tangible.

Conclusion on what are the fruits of the spirit

At its simplest, the answer to what are the fruits of the spirit is this: they are the visible signs that God’s life is shaping ours—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not quick tips or personality upgrades; they are the deep, steady work of grace.

As we open our lives to God through prayer, Scripture, community, and service, the Spirit cultivates this unified character within us. Over time, our relationships grow healthier, our decisions wiser, and our presence kinder. In a world often ruled by hurry, anger, and division, the fruits offer a better way.

If you keep returning to the basics—honest prayer, practical kindness, patient perseverance—you will steadily see what are the fruits of the spirit becoming real in your daily life. That is the promise and the invitation: to become people whose lives quietly and faithfully reflect the love of Christ.