Are you familiar with the fruits of the Spirit? In the letter to the Galatians, Paul lists nine qualities that are integral to the believer's life (5:23). And as we live our lives before the Lord in worship and humility, the Holy Spirit is going to develop each one in turn. These nine qualities: love, joy, peace, long-suffering (or patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness (or teachability), and temperance (or self-control) are more than just emotion, more than a mental activity. Each one is an aspect, a component of Jesus' very character and personality. And if we define these oft-repeated qualities any other way than how Jesus would, we dilute their true meaning.
In the posts that follow we'll inspect one fruit at a time.