The difference between the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit

Last updated

9 Feb, 2020

Reading Time ‘Minutes’

Word Count

It is essential for believers to be aware of the differences between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit.

Although both are expressions of the Spirit, they are in different categories of spiritual blessing.

The following are some of the key differences between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit.

The spiritual gifts of the Spirit are given to every believer for the purpose of ministerial assignments, but they are not necessarily a means of judging the depth of a person’s spiritual life. People often mistake that just because a person may speak in tongues means they are superior to others.

The fruit of the Spirit in contrast displays the development of a person’s character as they are transformed to the image of Christ.

Apart from the gifts of the Spirit, there are natural gifts and talents people are endowed with from birth. Just as we do not choose our natural talents we also do not select the gifts of the Spirit.

The manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit are given to each individual based on God’s divine choosing and the ministry needs of each individual situation and calling. The gifts of the Spirit are as follows: (1) Word of Knowledge (2) Word of Wisdom (3) Gift of Prophecy (4) Gift of Faith (5) Gifts of Healing (6) The Working of Miracles (7) Discerning of Spirits (8) Speaking in Tongues (9) Interpretation of Tongues ~ 1 Corinthians 12.

Regardless of their various gifting, believers are called to abide in Christ and develop the same fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control ~ Galatians 5:22-23).

Christians may receive different spiritual gifts; however, we should each be known by the same fruit of the Spirit.

Every child of God has access to the gifts of the Spirit but every believer should display having the fruit of the Spirit.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit

Mark 3:28-29 (NIV)
28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter,
29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

Holy Spirit in you

What does it mean when said “the Holy Spirit is in you?”

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s Church on earth.

Holy Spirit Do

What does the Holy Spirit do?

The roles of God and Jesus are understood by most Christians; however, some struggle to identify or define what the Holy Spirit does.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This