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Introduction to Self-Examination

As we journey through the Christian life, the Scriptures call us to continual self-examination to ensure that our walk aligns with the faith we profess. The apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians about the fruit of the Spirit provides a framework for assessing our spiritual health and vitality. This self-check is not about navel-gazing or self-condemnation but about aligning our lives with the transformative work of the Holy Scriptures and ensuring that our conduct is not merely external but flows from a heart renewed by the truth.

Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit

It is imperative to comprehend that the fruit of the Spirit is not a human achievement but a result of Jehovah’s work within us. As we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and submit to His will, our lives begin to bear these fruits naturally. They are not badges to flaunt but evidence of our connection to the true vine, Jesus Christ.

More Than a Feeling

In assessing whether the fruit of the Spirit is evident in our lives, we begin with love. It is not merely a sentimental feeling but a deliberate action. Do we love Jehovah with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind? Do we love our neighbors as ourselves? This love is practical and sacrificial, like the Good Samaritan who went out of his way to help a stranger in need.

Unshakable Delight in God

Joy is a profound delight in Jehovah and His salvation, regardless of our circumstances. It’s easy to rejoice when things go well, but the test of true joy is its presence during trials. Can we, like Habakkuk, rejoice in Jehovah even when the fig tree does not blossom?

A Quiet Confidence in God’s Sovereignty

The peace we are to exhibit is a deep-seated tranquility based on our trust in Jehovah’s sovereignty and faithfulness. It’s a peace that, as Philippians 4:7 describes, surpasses all understanding. When faced with life’s tempests, do we possess a calm that confounds the world?

The examination of one’s spiritual life to ascertain the evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit is a crucial aspect of Christian living. The apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Galatians, presents the Fruit of the Spirit as a multifaceted manifestation of a believer’s walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Each aspect of this fruit is a reflective surface, revealing the depth and authenticity of our relationship with Jehovah and His Word.

Evaluating Our Reflection in the Mirror of the Word

The Bible serves as a mirror, reflecting not just our exterior but the very core of our being. When we peer into the Scriptures, we see ourselves as we truly are. The question then becomes, do we see the fruit of the Spirit growing within us? Are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control characteristics that define us? This isn’t a matter of occasional display but a consistent pattern of life that aligns with the teachings of Christ.

Understanding the Fruit

Again, we must understand what each aspect of the fruit of the Spirit encompasses. Love is more than affection; it’s a sacrificial action. Joy is not contingent on our circumstances but is a steady undercurrent from our relationship with Jehovah. Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of serenity amidst turmoil. Patience shows itself in endurance and long-suffering. Kindness and goodness relate to how we treat others and align our actions with Jehovah’s moral standards. Faithfulness is our unwavering commitment to Jehovah and His Word. Gentleness is strength harnessed by compassion, and self-control is the ability to rein in our baser impulses.

The Consistency of Fruit Production

Just as a healthy tree consistently bears fruit, so a healthy Christian life should consistently exhibit these qualities. It’s not about isolated incidents but a steady stream of godly attributes that flow from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Examples in Scripture

Throughout Scripture, we see examples of individuals who exemplified these fruits. Joseph showed remarkable self-control and faithfulness in the face of temptation and adversity. Daniel displayed unwavering faithfulness and integrity. The good Samaritan demonstrated true kindness and compassion. These were not one-time actions but reflections of their ongoing character.

Evaluating Love in Our Lives

Love, as described biblically, is not merely a fleeting emotion but an active choice to seek the best for others. It is the first aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit mentioned by Paul, setting the precedence for the others. We must ask ourselves if our actions, even when unobserved, are characterized by genuine concern and self-sacrifice for others. Jesus Christ demonstrated this kind of love supremely in His ministry and sacrifice.

Joy Beyond Circumstances

Joy transcends temporary happiness that is often contingent on circumstances. It is a state of contentment and confidence that arises from our assurance in Jehovah’s sovereignty and promises. This joy does not waver amid trials but is steadfast, anchored in faith. It prompts us to ask if we possess a serenity that persists even when external comforts are stripped away.

Peace That Guards the Heart

The peace that is part of the Fruit of the Spirit serves as a sentinel for our hearts and minds, as described in Philippians 4:7. It is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of a tranquil trust in Jehovah’s guidance and care. A self-check for peace involves assessing whether we are easily agitated or if we have a prevailing sense of calm in the storms of life.

Patience in Long-Suffering

Patience, or long-suffering, is endurance combined with forbearance. It is not a passive resignation but an active, strength-giving grace that enables us to bear with others and with challenging situations. To self-assess patience, one should consider how they react under pressure and in prolonged difficulties. Is there a quickness to frustration, or is there a resilience that reflects our steadfast God?

Kindness That Touches Lives

Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is tangible and observable in actions. The kindness that reflects the Fruit of the Spirit is not performative but flows naturally from a heart transformed by the Spirit. We should examine whether our kindness is conditional or if it mirrors the unwavering, unmerited kindness Jehovah has shown us.

Goodness as a Moral Compass

Goodness involves uprightness of heart and life. It is the virtue that makes one choose to act justly, to be honest, not just in adherence to the law but in a spirit that seeks to reflect Jehovah’s righteousness. A self-check for goodness prompts us to evaluate if our decisions are swayed by personal gain or by moral integrity.

Faithfulness in Commitments

Faithfulness is loyalty and steadfastness that does not waver. In a biblical sense, it is holding fast to the commitments made before Jehovah and others, whether in relationships, promises, or service. It asks of us whether our word holds true, whether our faith stands firm in trials, and whether our allegiance to Jehovah is resolute.

Gentleness in Our Demeanor

Gentleness, often misunderstood as weakness, is strength under control. It is the quality of character that enables one to be tender without surrendering conviction. In assessing gentleness, we should consider how we deal with those who are weak or in error—are we overbearing, or do we exhibit the gentleness that can “restore” a brother as Galatians 6:1 suggests?

Self-Control in a World of Excess

Finally, self-control is the ability to restrain passions and appetites. In a world that often celebrates excess, self-control is countercultural. It involves making choices that align with Jehovah’s will rather than being led by the flesh. A believer self-checking for self-control will need to evaluate their disciplines in thought life, physical appetites, and emotional responses.

In the context of our spiritual walk, these qualities should not be sporadic or superficial but should be deeply ingrained and consistently evident. They are not natural traits but are cultivated as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and align our lives with its teachings. The self-check is not a one-time event but a continual process, as we remain in Christ and strive to live out these virtues in a way that testifies to the transformative work of the Spirit in our lives. It is through this ongoing cultivation that we truly reflect the image of Christ to the world and demonstrate the evidence that we are indeed Christians.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).