Seeing the Fruits of the Spirit in Yourself and Your Leaders
As Christians, we often hear about the "fruits of the Spirit" mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." These characteristics are not just a checklist for behavior; they are evidence of God's work in our lives. They reflect the deep, transformative change that happens when we walk in step with the Holy Spirit.
But what does it really mean to see these fruits—in yourself and in your leaders? And what happens when spiritual leaders fall short of this standard?
Recognizing the Fruits in Yourself
The fruits of the Spirit are more than external behaviors; they’re an internal shift. Over time, you should notice a growing sense of peace, patience in situations that used to upset you, and a deeper well of kindness and love toward others. It’s not an overnight transformation, but one that comes with spiritual maturity and closeness with God.
Here are some ways to reflect on seeing these fruits in yourself:
Self-reflection and prayer: Take time in your prayer life to ask God to reveal where these fruits are evident in your heart. Are you quicker to forgive? Do you seek peace in conflict? Are you striving to be more patient with family or coworkers?
Community input: Sometimes, it’s hard to see your own growth. Ask those close to you—trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders—if they have noticed changes in your character. These insights can help you see areas of growth that you might overlook.
Check your reactions in challenging moments: Difficult situations often reveal where we need the most growth. Did you handle a conflict with grace, or did you feel consumed by frustration or anger? Be honest with yourself and use these moments as opportunities to seek God’s refining work.
Identifying the Fruits in Leaders
Leaders in the Christian community are called to a higher standard, serving as shepherds to guide others in faith. The fruits of the Spirit should be evident in their leadership, not just in their sermons or public personas, but in their everyday actions.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do they lead with love and humility? Do they treat others with respect, regardless of status or position? Love is a foundational fruit that influences all others.
Are they peacemakers or peacebreakers? Leaders should seek unity within the church and handle disagreements with grace and patience.
Do they practice self-control? Leaders are in positions of influence, and it’s crucial that they demonstrate restraint, especially in difficult circumstances.
Bad Examples of Leadership in Spiritual Leaders
Sadly, not all spiritual leaders exhibit the fruits of the Spirit. In fact, there are times when their behavior can contradict these values, causing harm to the congregation and setting a poor example. Here are some warning signs of poor leadership in a spiritual leader at your local church:
Pride and Arrogance: Instead of leading with humility, a leader might become puffed up with pride, demanding respect rather than earning it. They may dismiss feedback or correction, seeing themselves as above reproach.
Example: A pastor who constantly talks about their own achievements, belittles those who disagree with them, or refuses to apologize when wrong displays pride, which goes against the fruit of love and gentleness.
Spreading Division Instead of Unity: Instead of being a peacemaker, a spiritual leader may sow discord within the church by playing favorites, fueling gossip, or taking sides in conflicts.
Example: If a leader encourages division by speaking negatively about other church members behind their backs or refuses to resolve conflicts, they are failing to embody the fruit of peace.
Lack of Self-Control: A leader without self-control may struggle with anger, impatience, or indulgence. This can manifest in outbursts, impulsive decisions, or using their platform to push personal agendas rather than God’s will.
Example: A pastor who lashes out during disagreements, manipulates scripture to justify their opinions, or exhibits greed or inappropriate behavior is demonstrating a lack of self-control and goodness.
What if You Don’t See These Fruits?
Ephesians 5:11 reminds us: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." If you are not seeing these fruits in yourself or in your leaders, it’s a call to action.
In Yourself
First, examine your own heart. Pray and ask God to reveal areas where you may be blocking the Holy Spirit’s work. It might be pride, anger, or an unwillingness to forgive. Surrender these areas to God and ask for His help in cultivating the fruits you are lacking.
In Leadership
In leadership, if you notice an absence of the fruits of the Spirit, it is your responsibility to approach the situation in prayer and discernment. Here’s what you can do:
Pray for Wisdom: Ask God to give you the right words and attitude to address the issue. Avoid rushing to judgment, but seek God’s guidance on how to handle the situation.
Speak to the Leader: Approach the leader in love, pointing out the specific behaviors that are concerning and how they go against biblical teaching. Always use scripture as a foundation for your conversation.
Example: If you observe a leader spreading division, you might gently remind them of James 3:17: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
Get Support from Trusted Elders: If the issue persists or you are uncomfortable confronting the leader directly, seek out other trusted elders or members in leadership who may be able to help address the problem.
Consider Stepping Away: If the leader refuses to change or if their actions are causing harm to the church, it may be time to step away from their influence. This doesn’t mean abandoning the church, but rather finding a leader who embodies the fruits of the Spirit and leads in a Christlike manner.
Asking God with Ephesians 5:11 in Mind
Ephesians 5:11 encourages us not to ignore wrongdoing or lack of spiritual fruit but to bring it to the light. Ask God for wisdom in how to approach these situations with grace and truth. Ask Him to help you live in a way that produces the fruits of the Spirit and to place leaders in your life who do the same.
God is faithful to provide growth and transformation when we seek Him earnestly. Don’t be discouraged if the fruits are slow to grow—God’s timing is perfect, and as we walk with Him, those fruits will blossom in ways we can’t even imagine.
In Closing
Seeing the fruits of the Spirit in yourself and your leaders is a testament to spiritual growth and maturity. If you aren’t seeing these fruits, remember to first seek God’s guidance through prayer and His Word. Ask Him to expose any areas in your life that need transformation, and trust Him to lead you to leaders who exemplify these fruits.
In the end, the fruits of the Spirit are not just for personal gain but to be a reflection of God’s love to the world. Let your life—and the lives of those who lead you—be a testimony of God’s ongoing work, producing fruits that bring glory to His name.
Have you ever made a decision that led to unexpected consequences? Maybe, like Eve, you’ve experienced the weight of making a wrong choice and felt the burden of that mistake. But here’s the good news—God’s grace is always available to help us start fresh. Does Eve’s story resonate with you? I’d love to hear how her journey speaks to your own.
As we continue in this series, let’s keep reflecting on how these women’s stories can shape and inspire us. Next time, we’ll dive into another incredible story, one that shows us how resilience and faith can lead to great victories.
P.S. Looking to deepen your spiritual journey? Check out my Digital Devotion Hub, which offers digital prayer journals and Bible lessons designed to help you grow in faith and stay connected with God daily. Plus, when you make a purchase, you’re giving back! 10% of all sales go directly to support the Healthy Mothers and Babies Coalition of West Palm Beach, helping provide essential items to families in need. Together, we can make a difference!
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