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
"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."
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."
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

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Time to Pray' (Ep. 6:18-19)
"Dear Father, May I fill my time with prayer and entreaties to you. Help me to keep alert for prayer. And to keep on, and keep on, and keep on. I..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Third Denial' (Jn. 18:26-27)
"[After Peter's second denial of Jesus,] one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked,..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'This Is the Truth!' (Acts 24:14-16)
"[In responding to the accusations made against him, Paul denied they were true, and then went on to say:] "But I admit that I follow the Way, which....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Interrupted by the Praise' (2 Ch. 5:13-14)
"The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the..."

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