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
Though debated, women’s leadership is not prohibited in Islam if practiced within Islamic ethics. Muslim women historically influenced governance through education, economic power, and advisory roles (Ahmed, 2021). Contemporary Muslim women in public office embody the Qur’anic principle of justice (Qur’an 4:135).
Islam encourages professions that benefit society. Female physicians, gynecologists, and nurses are essential in Muslim societies, ensuring culturally sensitive healthcare (Shaikh, 2015). Similarly, Muslim women in education, media, and business embody the Prophetic principle of service to humanity.
The Ghanaian context
In Ghana, Muslim women play a pivotal role in sustaining both families and communities. Beyond managing households, many women assume the role of primary breadwinners, paying school fees, supporting relatives, and financing community projects. Their contributions extend into professional and public life. In academia, Dr Rabiyatu Armah, an Islamic educationist and lecturer at University of Ghana, has championed girls’ schooling and equal opportunities in religious studies. In politics and governance, Hajia Samira Bawumia, Ghana’s former Second Lady, has promoted literacy, health, and women’s empowerment through nationwide initiatives. In the media, Madam Shamima Muslim, who serves as Deputy Presidential Spokesperson under President John Dramani Mahama, stands as a role model for young Muslim journalists. Her career reflects how Muslim women can excel in public communication while upholding modesty and Islamic values. These examples affirm that empowering Muslim women in education, media, and governance strengthens both families and national development.
Education and economic empowerment
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 1162). Honouring women means enabling them to access education and livelihood. Denying women education contradicts both the Qur’an and Sunnah and weakens the Muslim ummah (Barazangi, 2008).
A call to rethink our attitudes
Muslim societies today must critically re-examine cultural practices that continue to restrict women’s potential and return to Islam’s authentic message. The Qur’an and Sunnah affirm women as not only homemakers but also scholars, professionals, and leaders in society. True empowerment lies in realising the framework Islam already provides.
The role of Muslim scholars (‘ulama) is crucial. Those trained in Sharia and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) must guide women in balancing modesty with participation in business, education, and public service. History offers powerful precedents: Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA), one of the Prophet’s wives, transmitted over 2,000 hadiths and was a leading authority in law; and Fatima al-Fihri founded the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, the world’s oldest existing university. Their legacy demonstrates how knowledge and faith combined to shape civilisations. Equipping today’s Muslim women with similar guidance will strengthen families, uplift communities, and ensure a prosperous ummah.
Conclusion
Islam dignified women at a time when they were devalued, transforming them from marginalised figures to partners in faith, family, and society. From Khadijah (RA), who invested her wealth in the Prophet’s mission, to Aisha (RA), who transmitted knowledge and shaped Islamic scholarship, women have always stood at the heart of the ummah. The Qur’an enshrined their rights to inheritance, education, economic participation, and spiritual equality (Qur’an 4:7; 33:35).
Equally significant is the role of Muslim women in marriage and family life. The Qur’an describes spouses as “garments for one another” (Qur’an 2:187), highlighting marriage as a bond of comfort and protection. As wives and mothers, Muslim women nurture faith, instill moral discipline in children, and create homes rooted in mercy, patience, and cooperation. This domestic leadership complements their contributions in business, education, health, and governance, ensuring balance in both private and public life.
Allah reminds us: “For men is a share of what they earn, and for women is a share of what they earn.” (Qur’an 4:32). Empowering women in marriage, education, and work is therefore central to building thriving families, resilient communities, and a strong ummah.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
“Again Jesus call the crowd to Him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.” – Mark 7:14-16 (NIV)
Introduction
The Lord is really awesome in His wisdom and as Moses said when they were led to cross the Red Sea – “Who is like unto you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” – Exodus 15:11 (KJV)
CHANNEL
The word channel connotes action – real action because as a verb, it means:
- to direct
- to show the way
- shepherd
- lead
- train; among others.
And as a noun it can mean:
- a conduit
- an access
- an artery
- a pipeline
- a means of.
But the other words I found in the Thesaurus which really thrilled me and gave me a greater understanding of who we are called to be as Christians are meaning of channel as
- Advertiser;
- Delegate;
- Witness;
- Narrator;
- Go between;
- Spokesman,
- Communicator;
- Publiciser;
- Speaker.
Fascinating isn’t it. This reminds us of our calling as stated in Acts 1:8 that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes and we will be His witness here on earth – we are to be those through whom others come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. So as I found in the Thesaurus, we are Jesus’ delegates here on earth – we represent Him. We are His spokespersons. His go between when He wants to reach out to people. We are His communicators – we are really the ones who should be on radio each day telling people about the Lord Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation and redemption from sin. Alas, political party communicators seem to have the upper hand because media houses prefer their cacophony and not our soothing but very powerful words that ONLY Jesus saves.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
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