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You > Article Archive > Content The Signature of the Spirit Print Page By Dr. Charles Stanley Walking in the Spirit involves moment-by-moment sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. But is there an objective standard by which we can measure the vitality of our relationship with Him? Yes, there is. Fruit is the telling sign. It is not simply one mark of a Spirit-filled life; it is the preeminent mark—the public testimony to a believer’s sensitivity to and dependency on the Holy Spirit. Those who walk in the Spirit possess the following nine virtues: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). I believe there’s a reason Paul simply listed these virtues and moved on. They aren’t goals to pursue. Why? The fruit of the Spirit was never intended to be a demonstration of our dedication and resolve. Instead, it’s the evidence of our dependency on and sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit. How else can we characterize believers who walk in the Spirit? The closer you get to them, the better they look. They radiate integrity and trustworthiness. They don’t rely on personality, intimidation, or trumped-up enthusiasm to win you over. They accept themselves as they are and accept you as well. They’re the people you want to be like because of the depth of their character. We’re not talking about perfection. They still have the flesh to contend with. They can be as unkind and insensitive as anybody else. But when they realize their sin, they are quick to apologize. They are aware that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, they can rise above their sinful desires. Tuning in to His presence results in spiritual fruit that remains even during difficult times. Unconditional love in a marriage or friendship shines brightest in the midst of our differences; in a similar way, the fruit of the Spirit demonstrates its divine source when circumstances and relationships take a turn for the worse. Then it becomes most apparent that the source of the Christian’s abiding character is something that lies deep within. When all the crutches and props are kicked away, and the believer is still standing, no one can argue that his uniqueness was simply a by-product of his environment. Spirit-filled believers don’t win every battle. Doubt, temptation, hurt, and disappointment trip them up from time to time. But they don’t dwell on their missteps. They refocus their attention on the big picture, acknowledging the truth that their peace is from the Lord. Then they move on. They know “the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6). The fruit of the Spirit is just that: fruit produced by God. When we abide in Christ and allow Him to live His life through us, the result is character that endures despite the chaos of life. The fruit of the Spirit includes: Love—for those who do not love in return. Joy—in the midst of painful circumstances. Peace—when something you were counting on doesn’t come through. Patience—when things aren’t going fast enough for you. Kindness—toward those who treat you unkindly. Goodness—toward those who have been intentionally insensitive to you. Faithfulness—when friends have proven unfaithful. Gentleness—toward those who have handled you roughly. Self-control—in the midst of intense temptation. It is not uncommon for the Spirit’s fruit to take us by surprise. I have seen this happen many times, especially in the lives of new believers. When we shift our focus from self to the Holy Spirit, He can work freely in our lives. The results are uncharacteristic character, true change, and fruit that remains (John 15:16). That is the nature of fruit. We don’t produce it; we discover it. As you begin walking in the Spirit, you will finish a debate with your kids and realize you didn’t raise your voice. You will walk away from a heated conversation and think, Wow, I didn’t lose my temper. You will be asked to go somewhere you have no business going, and you will hear yourself saying, “No, thank you.” Eventually you will overhear someone make a comment to the effect of, “I don’t know what’s gotten into him, but he’s really different.” And you will realize that person is right, though not because you set out to change. Transformation will happen only when you surrender to the promptings of the Spirit. Remember, fruit is not something you work to attain. It’s something that can take you by surprise as the Holy Spirit produces it in your life. Adapted from “The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life” (1992). Related Resources Why should I respond in obedience to Gods call? What is the Holy Spirit’s role in my life? How does the Holy Spirit help me serve? Why is it so important to developing a discerning spirit? What gifts does the Holy Spirit give me for service? How does God train us to serve Him? How should I live, knowing Jesus will return someday? Learn About Your Spiritual Gift Related Video Walking in the Holy Spirit Do you want to live with real peace, contentment and joy in life? Do you want to have the power to overcome temptation or persevere through adversity? (Watch Walking in the Holy Spirit.) Copyright 2014 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only. Print Page 5 comments ADD A COMMENT\(Log in or create an account\) January 31, 2011 11:51 AM by WOW!!! im experiencing all 9 of the fruit of the spirit.and im loving it,the spirit caught me by suprise. i know its taking place with me,my own son said to me one day while i was reading and he looked a me and saidMOM YOU SURE HAVE CHANGEDi put my book down and said how? HE SAID I CANT EXPLAIN IT! and hes not the first...THANK YOU DR.STANLEY FOR THIS GREAT ARTICLE..BLESS YOU ALWAYS. January 15, 2011 05:16 AM by LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT !!! READING THIS AFFIRMS THE WORK THAT I BELIEVE GOD HAS BEEN DOING IN MY LIFE. HUMBLY OBEYING HIS WORD AND PROMPTING BY THE SPIRIT, I AM AWARE OF HOW THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT IS DEMONSTRATED IN MY OWN LIFE. NOT JUST THAT BUT IT HAS HELPED ME SEE PEOPLE , THE WORLD AND THE MANY SCHEMES AND ATTITUDE IN A DIFFERENT WAY. I FEEL STRONGER AND VICTORIOUS AT ALL TIMES AS A RESULT. GOD BLESS CHARLES STANLEY AND THE MANY LEADERS WHO SHARE GODS TRUTH COURAGEOUSLY !!! December 12, 2010 11:37 PM by very, very nice, thank you Dr. Stanley, God bless you always! October 27, 2010 07:18 AM by This message really encouraged me. Thank you. October 24, 2010 10:20 AM by This is so true! The Holy Spirit works and still is. Thank you LORD for giving us a chance (infinite times) to turn our evil ways into godly manners. LOVE YOU LORD! Add a comment Log in or create an account to post a comment Rate It: 12345 Comment: 2000 characters remaining SUBMIT COMMENT
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 12:21:56 +0000

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