“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” – Galatians 5:22–23
After His resurrection and before ascending to heaven, Jesus made a powerful promise to His disciples: “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these…” (John 14:12). He also spoke of bearing “good fruit”—not just through deeds, but through lives transformed by the Spirit.
Jesus knew we couldn't do this on our own. That’s why He promised to send the Holy Spirit to help us. When we think of “good fruit,” we often imagine big actions or visible accomplishments. But what happens when you're too sick to do anything that seems “productive”? How do you serve God when chemotherapy leaves you barely able to eat, sit up, or even speak?
The good news is this: the fruits of the Spirit are not about performance, but about presence—God’s presence in us.
During my own battle with cancer, I’ve learned that bearing fruit doesn’t always require physical strength. I could show love by sending a short text. Joy by sharing a happy memory. Peace by praying through my fear. Patience while waiting for hours at a doctor’s office. Kindness in complimenting a nurse. Goodness by sharing causes I care about online. Faithfulness in trusting Jesus daily. Gentleness in cuddling a pet. Self-control by following my dietary restrictions.
These small acts are big victories—because they reflect a heart aligned with the Spirit.
As I’ve progressed in treatment, I’ve started taking a daily inventory of how I’m living out each of the nine fruits. Some days I fall short. Some fruits come easier than others. But each day is a new chance to grow.
Over the next nine devotionals, we’ll take a closer look at each fruit of the Spirit—what it means, how it grows, and how even in weakness, you can reflect the strength of Christ.
Reflection Questions:
How can you exhibit the fruit of the Spirit even during physical or emotional suffering?
Which fruit(s) come naturally to you? Which are the hardest?
Looking back over the past week, in what ways have you lived out—or struggled to live out—each fruit?