Fruit of the Spirit or Fruit of the Devil?

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he talks about the contrast of the Old and New Natures within the believer. Paul discusses in chapter seven the internal struggle that he dealt with as he sought to overcome his old sinful nature and walk consistently in his new nature. This internal struggle effects every believer in Christ. As Paul concludes this chapter, he gives the key to having victory: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” (Rom. 7:25). Victory lies in training your mind to serve the precepts of God: A Christian must read the Word of God, study the Word of God, know the Word of God, and apply the Word of God to one’s life (See Rom. 10:17 & 12:2).

Paul goes on in Romans chapter eight discussing “walking in the Spirit” as a Christian. He writes under the inspiration of God:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” – Rom. 8:1-6

Here Paul describes that the believer in Christ has spiritually overcome the death sentence of condemning law based on their faith in the work of Christ. Essentially, Paul is saying that the Law (or seeking to obey commandments, rules, good deeds/works) will always have conquering judgment over an individual because no one is perfect/sinless. A person may not break a law any given day but over time the Law (or perfect code) will convict them of wrongdoing. God had to send His perfect and righteous Son Jesus to fulfill the Law which no ordinary man could ever do (Rom. 10:4, Gal. 3:23-25, 4:4-5). Now, because of what Christ has done for us, we as believers are to live in the Spirit of righteousness. Walk in the Spirit. Walk in the Truth.

As believers in Christ (possessing the New Nature), we have ability to walk in the Spirit and fulfill Jesus’ desire and His example which He has set forth. Therefore, change your thinking (repent), and serve Christ in your New Nature. You have access and ability to perform this so quit making excuses and walk forward in the Spirit.

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law…If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Gal. 5:16-18, 25

What is the fruit of the Spirit? Paul says the fruit of the Spirit has no law against such traits that can condemn or judge these as wrongdoing:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering  (patience, slowness in avenging being wronged, forbearance/forgiving), gentleness  (moral character, gracious tolerance towards others), goodness  (uprightness of heart & life/virtuous, generosity, kindness), faith (fidelity, faithfulness, possessing character that can be relied upon), meekness  (humility, trust/reliance/confidence/obedience towards God), temperance  (self-control): against such there is no law.” – Gal. 5:22-23

Now based on knowing the fruit of the Spirit, we can know the opposite of these traits are the fruit of the Devil.

The fruit of the Devil is hate, misery, chaos, agitation/frustration/quick to anger and reacting negatively/unforgiving, harshness/cruelty/intolerant, evil-doing or evil desire/malice/ill-will/intent to harm, doubt/disloyalty/infidelity/tarnished character due to mistrust or repetitive bad behavior, arrogance/egotistical/haughtiness/pride, and lack of self-control/impulsiveness. Against these traits, the law will condemn (judge) every time.

Therefore, consider: Are you walking in the Spirit (possessing the fruit of the Spirit in your life which will translate to positive behaviors) or are you walking in the Flesh (possessing the fruit of the Devil in your life which will translate to negative behaviors)? (see Galatians 5:19-21 for evil works of the flesh).