| Category | Description / Purpose | Scripture Reference (ESV) | List / Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruits of the Spirit | The evidence of the Spirit’s presence — moral and relational qualities produced as a believer abides in Christ. | Galatians 5:22–23 | Love — selfless care for others. Joy — inward gladness from knowing Christ. Peace — calm assurance in God’s control. Patience — endurance through trials. Kindness — compassion in action. Goodness — moral integrity and generosity. Faithfulness — loyalty to God and truth. Gentleness — humility and self-control in strength. Self-Control — mastery over desires and impulses. |
| Purpose of the Fruit | To reflect the character of Christ and reveal inward transformation by the Spirit. | John 15:5; Ephesians 5:8–9 | Fruit is not achieved by effort but produced through abiding in Christ. |
| Gifts of the Spirit (General List) | Empowerments given by the Spirit for ministry, service, and edification of the Church. | 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11–13; 1 Peter 4:10–11 | Wisdom — divine insight for right judgment. Knowledge — spiritual understanding of truth. Faith — extraordinary confidence in God’s power. Healing — restoration through God’s intervention. Miracles — acts demonstrating divine authority. Prophecy — declaring God’s truth and will. Discernment of Spirits — recognizing truth vs. deception. Tongues — speaking in known or unknown languages as a sign or message. Interpretation of Tongues — understanding and explaining the message. |
| Motivational Gifts (Romans 12) | Natural spiritual inclinations given to each believer. | Romans 12:6–8 | Prophecy — speaking truth boldly. Service — helping and meeting needs. Teaching — explaining truth clearly. Exhortation — encouraging others to obedience. Giving — generosity for God’s work. Leadership — guiding with diligence. Mercy — showing compassion and empathy. |
| Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4) | Leadership roles to equip and mature the Church. | Ephesians 4:11–13 | Apostle — sent to establish and strengthen churches. Prophet — speaks God’s revealed word. Evangelist — proclaims the gospel with conviction. Pastor — shepherds and cares for the flock. Teacher — instructs sound doctrine. |
| Purpose of the Gifts | To build up the Body of Christ in unity, maturity, and love. | 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:12–13 | Gifts are given by the Spirit’s will, not human choice — and always for God’s glory, not self-promotion. |
| Balance Between Fruit and Gifts | Gifts show the power of the Spirit; fruit shows the presence of the Spirit. | 1 Corinthians 13:1–3; Matthew 7:16–20 | Without love and character, gifts lose meaning. The Spirit works through both fruit and gifts to display Christ. |
Summary of Application
- Fruit = Being like Christ (inward transformation).
- Gifts = Serving like Christ (outward empowerment).
- Both are necessary: gifts without fruit cause pride; fruit without gifts lacks power.
Key Verses
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” — 1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” — Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV)