But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22

The fruit of the Spirit are described as different aspects of a persons’ character to exemplify the character of Jesus Christ, to be as He is in the earth (1John 1:17). It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to bear this fruit in our character as we submit ourselves to his leading and guiding. But can we show forth one aspect and not another? Can a non-Christian also show some of the fruit?

Perhaps this is why these aspects are referred to as singular fruit and not fruits. They operate as a whole. Can one have joy and not peace, or can one have love and not joy? If we are honest then the answer is yes. I know there were times when I had no problem showing love to someone while I was missing joy in my life. The fruit should be in every area of a person’s life.