Gifts Are Given, Fruit Is Grown

IWM Devotional: Gifts Are Given, Fruit Is Grown

Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (ESV)

 

  Word for Today

As we continue reflecting on heart-level righteousness and our relationship with the Holy Spirit, Scripture leads us to an important distinction, the difference between spiritual gifts and spiritual fruit.

The Bible teaches that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit according to His will. They are expressions of God’s grace, not rewards for spiritual maturity. Gifts can be received instantly and exercised publicly. They often draw attention, bless others, and serve an important purpose in the body of Christ.

But fruit is different.

The fruit of the Spirit is not given in a moment—it is grown over time. Fruit develops through abiding, obedience, and daily surrender to the Spirit’s work within us. While gifts reveal how God can work through a person, fruit reveals how deeply God has worked in them.

It’s possible to be gifted and still unformed. Scripture reminds us that outward spiritual activity does not always reflect inward spiritual health. That is why Paul emphasizes fruit, not gifts, as evidence of a life led by the Spirit. Love, patience, gentleness, and self-control cannot be manufactured through effort alone, they are produced as the Spirit shapes our hearts.

Fruit often grows quietly. It shows up in unseen moments, how we respond when we are misunderstood, how we speak when we are frustrated, how we treat others when no one is watching. These qualities may not draw applause, but they reflect the character of Christ being formed within us.

Heart-level righteousness moves us beyond celebrating spiritual ability to cultivating spiritual maturity. God is not only interested in what He can do through our lives, but in who we are becoming as we walk with Him. Sisters, when the Spirit is welcomed and obeyed, fruit becomes the natural overflow of a transformed heart.

 

 Personal Reflection

•  Do I place more value on spiritual ability than spiritual character?

•  Where might God be inviting me to grow in the fruit of the Spirit?

• How am I creating space to abide in the Spirit daily rather than striving in my own strength?

 

Gifts may impress people, but fruit reflects Christ.
 

 

 Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank You for the gifts You freely give. Help me not to measure my faith by ability or visibility, but by the fruit You are growing within me. Teach me to abide in You daily, surrendering my heart to Your work. Grow in me love, patience, and self-control, so my life reflects the character of Christ. Amen.