Fruits of the Holy Spirit
(updated 5/4/2010)
The gifts of the Holy Spirit work in us to bear fruit. The twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit are :
charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity
(Gal 5: 22-23).
Charity (Love)- All-embracing relationship with God and neighbor. Love is not a feeling but an unconditional commitment to do what is right and true for God and neighbor. 1 Cor 13: 4-8
Joy – Joy is more than happiness. Happiness is an emotion that changes. Supernatural joy is a state of mind that is unconditional. It is a Spirit-given expression that flourishes best in hard times.
1 Thess 1:6 The Thessalonians were under great stress due to persecution; yet in the midst of it all, they continued to experience great joy.
Peace – Peace is a tranquil state of rest that comes from seeking God. The opposite is chaos.
John 14:27 Peace that the world cannot give.
Patience – The capacity to bear difficult circumstances with faith, hope, and love. Heb 10:36
Kindness – Kindness is acting for the good of people regardless of what they do. Rom 11:22; Eph 2:7; Titus 3:4
Goodness – The state or quality of being good. General character recognized in quality of conduct.
Rom 16:19; 1 Tim 1:5 ; 1 Pet 2:3
Generosity – Readiness to give in abundance. 2 Cor 8:2 ; 2 Cor 9:13
Gentleness – a disposition that is even-tempered, tranquil, balanced, unpretentious, and has passions under control. Matt 11:29
Faithfulness – Loyal and steadfast following to what is right, good, and true, esp. towards God.
Acts 11:23; John 21:15 -17
Modesty – Freedom from vanity, boastfulness; regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress; simplicity, moderation.
1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3-4
Self-Control – Discretion; the ability to decide and act responsibly; ability to control one’s ‘desires’.
Prov 2:11; 2 Peter 1:6
Chastity – Moral purity; purity of mind and body. 1 Cor 6:19 Body is temple of Holy Spirit;
Matt 5: 8 "Blessed are the pure at heart."
References
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1303, 1830-1831
The Biblical Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Revised Edition 2001 by Emma Lou Weis