Fruitful Living
The fruit of the spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:22-25
INTRODUCTION
The contrast between results and fruit is important. For example, a machine in a factory works and turns out a product, but it can never manufacture fruit. Fruit grows out of life, and in the case of the believer, it is the Spirit – “But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.” –Gal. 5:5 (NIV)
When we think of “works” we think of effort, labour, strain and toil but when we think of “fruit” we think of the unfolding of life – beauty, quietness, maturity. Apostle Paul begins the fruit of the Spirit with “love” because all the others are really an outgrowth of love.
Fruit grows in a climate blessed with abundance of the Spirit and the word – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” – Gal. 5:25 Living by the Spirit, therefore, means “keeping in step with the Spirit” – not running ahead nor lagging behind. Living by the Spirit involves the study of and mediation on the Word of God, prayers, worship,praise and fellowship with God’s people. It also means “pulling out the weeds” so that the seed of the Word can take root and bear fruit.
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
In contrast to the acts of the sinful nature is a God-centred, spiritually focused lifestyle that reflects the evidence of “the fruit of the Spirit.” This lifestyle is identified by a godly, Christlike character that is produced and developed in Christians as we allow the Holy Spirit to direct and influence our lives. Through the Spirit’s power, we are able to overcome and destroy sin’s power – particularly the acts of the sinful nature – and to enjoy the benefits of their personal relationship with God. The fruit of the Spirit includes:
- “Love” known in Greek as agape, refers to the selfless, God-kind of love that cares for and promotes what is best for another person without a hidden motive of personal gain. This kind of love is more than a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the cause of Christ and the benefit of others.
- “Joy” known in Greek as chara, is a strong inner sense of gladness that is not based on circumstances but on the love, grace, blessings, promises and nearness of God that belong to those who follow Christ. Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us. Christ is near, and at His second coming we will fully realise this ultimate joy. He who lives within us will fulfil His final purpose for us.
- “Peace” known as eirënë in Greek is the inner calm and contentment based on the knowledge that one is in a right relationship with God and that God has everything under control. God’s peace is the opposite of human anxiety. It comes when we call on God from hearts that are fully devoted to Christ and His Word. By committing our cares to God, we can determine not to worry about them because they are now His concern.
- “Patience” known as makrothumia in Greek, means endurance, perseverance and the ability to wait without becoming angry, annoyed or upset. It includes the ability to tolerate being hurt or provoked without losing one’s temper. Patience is maintaining hope not giving in to despair.
- “Kindness” known as chrëstotësin Greek, involves true and active consideration for others. It includes not wanting to hurt anyone or cause anyone pain.
- “Goodness” known as agathösunö in Greek, is a character trait that causes someone to do what is right and beneficial for others. It includes a passion for truth and a hatred of evil. It is often expressed in acts of kindness or in challenging and correcting evil and injustice.
- “Faithfulness” known in Greek as pistis, is a firm and unwavering loyalty and devotion to a person to whom one is united by promise or commitment. It assumes being honest and trustworthy. It requires actively following through on one’s commitments.
- “Gentleness” known in Greek as prautës, refers to the quality shown by a mild friendliness or forbearance, especially to an enemy when harshness would be the expected behaviour. Like its synonym, epieikeia, the Greek word interpreted “gentleness” has more to do with one who follows the proper way of life, and later it referred to forbearance and mildness. A gentle person will act mercifully and appropriately.
- “Self-control” known in Greek as egkrateia, is the discipline of mastering one’s own desires, emotions and passions. It requires depending on God to overcome temptation and remain spiritually strong and pure. It is strongly related to faithfulness to one’s marriage vows – “But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” – 1 Cor. 1:9 (NIV).
THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK IN US
The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Jesus Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s control – we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without His help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our lives to His “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:4-5 (NIV).We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him. As a result, we will fulfil the intended purpose of the law – to love God and our neighbours. Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you? “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Gal. 5:22-23 (NIV)
Because the God who sent the law sent the Spirit, the by-products of the Spirit-filled life are in perfect harmony with the intent of God’s law. A person who exhibits the fruit of the Spirit fulfils the law far better than a person who observes the rituals but has little love in his or her heart.
In order to accept Christ as Saviour, we need to turn from our sins and willingly nail our sinful nature to the cross. This doesn’t mean, however, that we will never see traces of its evil desires again. As Christians, we still have the capacity to sin, but we have been set free from sin’s power over us and no longer have to give in to it. We must daily commit our sinful tendencies to God’s control, daily crucify them, and moment by moment draw on the Spirit’s power to overcome them. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” – Gal. 5:24 (NIV)
God is interested in every part of our lives, not just the spiritual part. As we live by the Holy Spirit’s power, we need to submit every aspect of our lives to God – emotional, physical, social, intellectual, vocational. Paul says that because we are saved, we should live like it! The Holy Spirit is the source of our new live, so keep in step with His leading. Don’t let anything or anyone else determine your values and standards in any area of your life. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” – Gal. 5:25 (NIV).
CONCLUSION
Paul’s final comment on the fruit of the Spirit is that there are no exceptions or restrictions to the lifestyle described here. We can and must practise these character qualities over and over. We will never discover a law prohibiting us from living by these principles. God through Paul recommends that we rejoice in Him because He has our best interest at heart as we read in Phil. 4:4-9 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (NIV)
Stay blessed!
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By Dr. Joyce Aryee, the author
AS the blessed month of Ramadan gradually draws to a close, Muslims across the world enter what is widely regarded as the most sacred and spiritually rewarding period of the entire month—the last 10 days of Ramadan. For believers, these final days represent not merely the conclusion of fasting but the climax of a profound spiritual journey.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims engage in fasting, prayer, charity, and self-discipline in order to cultivate righteousness and strengthen their relationship with Allah. Yet the final 10 days are particularly unique because they contain extraordinary opportunities for forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and divine mercy. It is during this period that Muslims are encouraged to intensify their devotion, increase acts of worship, and seek closeness to their Creator.
The Qur’an highlights the significance of Ramadan itself, reminding believers that it was during this month that divine revelation began. Allah states that Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity and as clear proof distinguishing truth from falsehood (Qur’an 2:185). However, the greatest spiritual treasures of Ramadan are believed to lie hidden within its final nights.
Laylatul Qadr: The night greater than a lifetime
The most important event expected during the last ten days is Laylatul Qadr, commonly translated as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree. The Qur’an describes this night as one that is better than a thousand months of worship (Qur’an 97:1–5). In practical terms, this means that a single night of sincere devotion may carry rewards greater than more than eighty-three years of continuous worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the extraordinary blessings attached to this night. He taught that whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with sincere faith and hope in Allah’s reward will have all their past sins forgiven (Sahih al-Bukhari 1901; Sahih Muslim 760).
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) further taught us the most auspicious supplication on that night:
“Oh Allah, you are the forgiver, you love to forgive, so forgive me.”
Because the precise date of Laylatul Qadr is not known, Muslims are encouraged to seek it during the odd-numbered nights within the last ten days of Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017). This encourages believers to maintain devotion throughout the entire period rather than focusing on a single night.
I‘tikāf: A retreat for the soul
Another important spiritual practice associated with the last ten days of Ramadan is I‘tikāf, a form of spiritual retreat in the mosque devoted entirely to worship and reflection.
During I‘tikāf, a believer withdraws temporarily from daily distractions and focuses exclusively on strengthening their relationship with Allah. The wife of the Prophet Muhammad, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), reported that the Prophet regularly observed I‘tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadan until his passing (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026; Sahih Muslim 1172).
Those who observe I‘tikāf dedicate their time to reciting and studying the Qur’an, performing voluntary prayers, remembering Allah through dhikr, seeking forgiveness, and making sincere supplications. The Qur’an itself acknowledges those who remain in retreat in the mosques as part of their devotion (Qur’an 2:187).
Zakatul Fitr: Ensuring no one is left behind
At its conclusion, Muslims are required to give Zakatul Fitr, a charitable donation distributed to the poor before the Eid prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad made this charity obligatory upon every Muslim, young or old, male or female (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503; Sahih Muslim 984). The wisdom behind this obligation is both spiritual and social.
Zakatul Fitr serves to purify the fasting person from any mistakes or shortcomings that may have occurred during Ramadan. At the same time, it provides food and support to the poor so that they too can celebrate the festival of Eid with dignity and happiness (Sunan Abu Dawud 1609).
Following the Prophetic example
The Prophet Muhammad treated the last 10 days of Ramadan with exceptional seriousness and devotion. According to Aisha, when these nights began, he intensified his worship, spent the nights in prayer, and encouraged his family members to do the same (Sahih al-Bukhari 2024; Sahih Muslim 1174).
This prophetic example offers important lessons for Muslims today. Believers are encouraged to use these final days to increase night prayers, recite and reflect upon the Qur’an, make abundant supplications, remember Allah frequently, and give charity generously.
A rare opportunity that must not be wasted
One of the most powerful lessons of Ramadan is that spiritual opportunities do not last forever. Many believers begin Ramadan with enthusiasm but gradually lose momentum as the month progresses.
However, the true success of Ramadan lies in finishing the month stronger than it began. The Prophet warned that a person is truly unfortunate if Ramadan passes and their sins are not forgiven (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3545).
For this reason, Muslims are encouraged during these final days to sincerely repent to Allah, repair broken relationships, forgive others, increase acts of kindness, and renew their commitment to righteous living.
The final stretch of the spiritual journey
The last 10 days of Ramadan represent one of the greatest opportunities for spiritual transformation in the life of a believer. Within these nights lies Laylatul Qadr—a night whose blessings exceed decades of worship.
These days also remind Muslims of the importance of reflection, charity, discipline, and devotion. They provide a chance to correct past mistakes, seek forgiveness, and renew one’s relationship with Allah.
Those who seize these final days with sincerity and determination may leave Ramadan not only forgiven but spiritually renewed and strengthened for the journey ahead.
Author’s profile
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai is the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, a Governance Expert, and a Certified Counsellor. He regularly contributes to national discourse on religion, social development, governance, and moral leadership, and participates in media discussions on family life, ethics, and community development.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam | Governance Expert | Certified Counsellor
Satan tempts Jesus with the offer of rulership over all the kingdoms of the world, a proposal that Jesus rejects. This could be viewed as an appeal for material wealth, possessions and power.
Jesus’ kingdom in this age is not a worldly kingdom. Throughout His ministry, Jesus would refuse to seek a kingdom for Himself by the worldly methods of compromise, earthly power, political maneuvering, external violence or personal popularity.
Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual one, established in the hearts of His people, who have also refused to follow the ungodly ways of the world. As a heavenly kingdom,
- It is gained through suffering, self – denial, humility and meekness – the opposite of how worldly people pursue power;
- It requires surrendering ourselves as living and holy sacrifices completely devoted and obedient to God and His purposes; Romans 12:1 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
- It involves a battle against Satan, sin, temptation and evil using spiritual weapons. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. – Ephesians 6:10-20.
- It means resisting conformity to the beliefs, behaviours and lifestyles that are common in the world. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. – 1 John 2:15-17
Satan’s appeal to worship Him was an attempt to get Jesus to take a quick route to a world domination – to avoid the humility and sufferings that would lead to Jesus’ death on the cross. This is to say, the devil was trying to get Jesus to lay aside His entire purpose for coming to earth. Christ’s willingness to face all the difficulties that lay ahead is an example to all believers. He taught us that there are no shortcuts to fulfilling God’s perfect purposes for our lives, no matter how tempting the options may seem.
Stay Blessed!
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
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