Enkrateia [self-control] is that great quality which comes to a man when Christ is in his heart, that quality which makes him able to live and to walk in the world, and yet to keep his garments unspotted from the world. — William Barclay

Last week we talked about love. Now let’s talk about what happens when you love the way God wants you to love.

Godly love brings light, life, and longevity. Why? Because God is love (1 John 4:8). When you become a born-again believer and make God’s love your “why,” transformation begins to unfold in your life. This happens through the teaching, guidance, and comfort of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27; John 14:26).

The Spirit produces fruit. It is this Spirit who begins to produce the fruit of God’s love inside of you. When God’s perfect fruit shows up in your life, your life gets better. Galatians 5:22–23 explains: 

“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Notice Paul chose the word fruit and not “works” or “gifts.” Fruit conveys the meaning of a full harvest of virtues. It is singular, meaning each believer is to have all nine.

Fruit is a byproduct of planting and nurturing. God’s fruit is perfect, flawless, and satisfying. But while the Spirit produces the fruit, it is your responsibility to stay in relationship with Him. Christian character is the result of Christ living in you (Galatians 2:20). You must nurture, protect, and guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23) so His presence grows in you.

Think of your life as a home. Guests stay only when they are acknowledged and cared for. God is the perfect guest—merciful, forgiving, and generous. But He is also a gentleman; He will not stay where He is not welcome. Jesus asks you to love Him with all your heart (Matthew 22:37), love others as He has loved you (John 13:34), and seek His Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). In return, He renews your mind (Romans 12:2) and reshapes your character.

When you abide in Him, you move from bondage into freedom. Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

Without the Spirit, life looks like Galatians 5:19–21: immorality, lust, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, idolatry, drunkenness, arrogance, lying, greed, adultery, and more. This life is miserable. Jesus warns: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).

With the Spirit, your life reflects love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit satisfies your hunger and fills your life with freedom. You will notice irritations fall away, your love for yourself grows as you see yourself the way God sees you, and it becomes easier to love others.

The Spirit is ready to grow this fruit inside of you. The question is: Which fruit are you struggling with, and are you willing to ask the Spirit to grow it in you?