God's Holy Fire: 'Fruit of the Spirit'

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
— Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Key Thought

Sometimes we misunderstand "fruit of the Spirit" because we say "fruits of the Spirit." This difference seems like such a small thing, but, unfortunately, this small thing can lead us to a dangerously false conclusion. The fruit of the Spirit involves all nine of these qualities. We can't excuse a lack of growth in one area or another as simply not having all the fruits of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is working to create the character of Jesus in us (2 Corinthians 3:18; see also Galatians 4:19). He wants to see us growing in each area; we should not excuse ourselves from any one of these qualities of Jesus. I don't know about you, but there are several areas in which I need to grow - but I believe the Spirit is making progress in them. Let's keep encouraging each other to let the Spirit lead us to become more and more like Jesus in every way!

Today's Prayer

O precious Father, God Most High, thank you for your patience, grace, and forgiveness. I want the Holy Spirit to lead me and empower me to grow in every way, but especially so that I can be more and more like Jesus in love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Thank you for hearing my prayer offered in Jesus' name. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

40 Related Resources by Heartlight

Galatians 5:22-23
Devo: Today's Verse
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23
Devo: Today's Verse
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23
Devo: Today's Verse
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
The Holy Spirit Produces Joy and Peace
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
See All 40 Related Resources about Galatians 5:22-23

Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 5:22-23 NIV — But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Tithing Is a Weapon Against The Enemy'
""You have robbed me in your offerings and the tenth of your crops. So a curse is on you, because the whole nation has robbed me. Bring to the..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Rock of My Salvation' (Ro. 9:25-33)
"Dear Father, ruler of the ages, You have called we who were "not your people" to be "your people," we who were "not your beloved" to be "your..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 3:9-10
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Don't Let These Truths Elude You!'
"Dear Follower, I love to tell stories from everyday life and connect them to heavenly truths. There is a reason for that. You can remember stories..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations