Fruit of the Holy Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit is actions that must be lived out in our lives. I grew up in church hearing about the fruit of the Spirit and thinking they were nice, but I had no understanding that I actually had to live them out in my life. I would hear adults say things like, “Don’t pray for patience.” I often took the fruit of the Spirit as nice suggestions, but I never believed they were a requirement of a child of God. It wasn’t until I was an adult and read 1 John that I understood that I had to stop practising sin and that walking in love is a requirement, not a suggestion. We will see in Scripture how the fruit of the Spirit is a requirement for a disciple of Jesus and how it becomes who we are. We will start by seeing that it is a requirement.

John tells us the expectation God has for His children.

Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Matthew 3:8-12 NASB® 1995

“Bear”: Strong’s: The word “Bear” is the Greek word poieó (4160), which means to make, to do, to act, to cause, to work
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON: 1.e. of things effected by generative force, to produce, bear, shoot forth: of trees, vines, grass, etc., κλάδους, Mark 4:32; καρπούς, Matthew 3:8,
“Fruit”: Strong’s: The word “Fruit” is the Greek word karpos (2590), which means fruit, crop, fruits
HELPS Word-studies: 2590 karpós – properly, fruit; (figuratively) everything done in true partnership with Christ, i.e. a believer (a branch) lives in union with Christ (the Vine). By definition, fruit (2590 /karpós) results from two life-streams – the Lord living His life through ours – to yield what is eternal (cf. 1 John 4:17).
John 15:1,2: "1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit (2590 /karpós), He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit" (NASU).
“Repentance”: Strong’s: The word “Repentance” is the Greek word metanoia (3541), which means repentance
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 3341 metánoia – literally, "a change of mind" ("after-thought"); repentance. See 3340 /metanoeō ("repent").

Many people in this world identify as Christians. In the next few sections of Scripture, we will see how to truly identify Christians in this world. As you read, I encourage you to examine for yourself whether you are bearing fruit that leads to life.

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’
Matthew 7:15-23 NASB® 1995

There are two Greek words for good in this section of scripture. Good describing the tree is one Greek word, and good describing the fruit is another Greek word.

“Good”: Tree: Strong’s: The word “Good” is the Greek word agathos (18), which means good, beneficial, virtuous
HELPS Word-studies: 18 agathós – inherently (intrinsically) good; as to the believer, 18 (agathós) describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith.
“Good”: Fruit: Strong’s: The word “Good” is the Greek word kalos (2570), which means good, beautiful, noble, excellent, honorable
HELPS Word-studies: 2570 kalós – attractively good; good that inspires (motivates) others to embrace what is lovely (beautiful, praiseworthy); i.e. well done so as to be winsome (appealing).

There are also two Greek words for bad.

“Bad”: Tree: Strong’s: The word “Bad” is the Greek word sapros (4550), which means rotten, corrupt, bad, worthless
HELPS Word-studies: 4550 saprós – properly, rotten (putrid), over-ripe; (figuratively) over-done(ripened); hence, corrupt. "4550 (saprós) is (akin to sēpō, 'to rot'), primarily, of vegetable and animal substances, expresses what is of poor quality, unfit for use, putrid" (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 49); sapros – "of poor or bad quality" (L & N, 1, 65.28).
“Bad”: Fruit: Strong’s: The word “Bad” is the Greek word ponéros (4190), which means evil, wicked, bad, malicious
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: evil, grievous
From a derivative of ponos; hurtful, i.e. Evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from kakos, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from (4550) sapros, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. Diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. Derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners -- bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness).
HELPS Word-studies: 4190 ponērós (an adjective which is also used substantively, derived from 4192 /pónos, "pain, laborious trouble") – properly, pain-ridden, emphasizing the inevitable agonies (misery) that always go with evil.

Jesus states clearly here that every tree that doesn’t bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. It is very clear that as Christians, we must choose to produce good fruit in our lives if we don’t want to be thrown into the fire.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
Ephesians 5:1-12 NASB® 1995

“Imitators”: Strong’s: The word “Imitators” is the Greek word mimétés (3402), which means imitator, follower
HELPS Word-studies: 3402 mimētḗs (the root of the English term, mimic, "one who imitates, emulates") – properly, the positive imitation that arises by admiring the pattern set by someone worthy of emulation, i.e., a mentor setting a proper example. 3402 /mimētḗs ("emulator, imitator") is always used positively in the NT (seven times) – of followers of Christ emulating a God-approved example. The supreme model is God Himself (see Ephesians 5:1).

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:16-26 NASB® 1995

“Walk”: Strong’s: The word “Walk” is the Greek word peripateó (4043), which means to walk, to conduct oneself, to live
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: walk From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary) -- go, be occupied with, walk (about).
HELPS Word-studies: 4043 peripatéō (from 4012 /perí, "comprehensively around," which intensifies 3961/patéō, "walk") – properly, walk around, i.e., in a complete circuit (going "full circle").
“Love”: Strong’s: The word “Love” is the Greek word agapé (26), which means Love
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: charity, love. From agapao; love, i.e., Affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast -- (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.
HELPS Word-studies: 26 agápē – properly, love which centers in moral preference. So too in secular ancient Greek, 26 (agápē) focuses on preference; likewise, the verb form (25/agapáō) in antiquity meant "to prefer" (TDNT, 7). In the NT, 26 (agápē) typically refers to divine love (= what God prefers).

For a love-feast description, see Healthy Gatherings.

“Joy”: Strong’s: The word “Joy” is the Greek word chara (5479), which means joy, gladness, delight
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 5479 xará (another feminine noun from the root xar-, "extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed") – properly, the awareness (of God's) grace, favor; joy ("grace recognized").
“Peace”: Strong’s: The word “Peace” is the Greek word eiréné (1515), which means peace
HELPS Word-studies: 1515 eirḗnē (from eirō, "to join, tie together into a whole") – properly, wholeness, i.e., when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God's gift of wholeness).
“Patience”: Strong’s: The word “Patience” is the Greek word makrothumia (3115), it is a noun which means patience, Long-suffering, Forbearance
HELPS Word-studies: 3115 makrothymía (from 3117 /makrós, "long" and 2372 /thymós, "passion, anger") – properly, long-passion, i.e., waiting sufficient time before expressing anger. This avoids the premature use of force (retribution) that arises out of improper anger (a personal reaction). 3115 /makrothymía ("divinely-regulated patience") is used of God Himself (see 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:15). Indeed, only the Lord produces 3115 /makrothymía ("true patience, longsuffering") in us and hence is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
3115 (makrothymía) embraces steadfastness and staying-power. If in English we had an adjective 'long-tempered' as a counterpart to 'short-tempered,' then makrothymia could be called the quality of being 'long-tempered'. . . . which is a quality of God (LXX, Ex 34:6)" (F. F. Bruce, Commentary on Galatians, 253).
“Kindness”: Strong’s: The word “Kindness” is the Greek word chréstotés (5544), which means kindness, goodness, gentleness
HELPS Word-studies: 5544 xrēstótēs (a noun, derived from 5543 /xrēstós, "useful, profitable") – properly, useable, i.e., well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable. 5544 /xrēstótēs ("useful kindness") refers to meeting real needs, in God's way, in His timing (fashion). Hence, 5544 (xrēstótēs) is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). With the believer, 5544 /xrēstótēs ("divine kindness") is the Spirit-produced goodness which meets the need and avoids human harshness (cruelty). "We have no term that quite carries this notion of kind and good" (WP, 1, 92).
“Goodness”: Strong’s: The word “Goodness” is the Greek word agathosune (19), which means goodness
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 19 agathōsýnē (from 18 /agathós, "inherently good," see there) – properly, intrinsic goodness (especially as a unique quality and condition, note the -synē suffix); as relating to believers, the goodness that comes from God (Souter) and showing itself in spiritual, moral excellence (virtue).
“Faithfulness”: Strong’s: The word “Faithfulness” is the Greek word pistis (4102), which means faith, belief, trust, confidence, fidelity
HELPS Word-studies: 4102 pístis (from 3982/peithô, "persuade, be persuaded") – properly, persuasion (be persuaded, come to trust); faith.
Faith (4102/pistis) is always a gift from God, and never something that can be produced by people. In short, 4102/pistis ("faith") for the believer is "God's divine persuasion" – and therefore distinct from human belief (confidence), yet involving it. The Lord continuously births faith in the yielded believer so they can know what He prefers, i.e., the persuasion of His will (1 John 5:4).
“Gentleness”: Strong’s: The word “Gentleness” is the Greek word prautés (4240), which means gentleness, meekness
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 4240 praýtēs (compare 4236 /praótēs, another feminine noun which is also derived from the root pra-, emphasizing the divine origin of the meekness) – meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness.
For the believer, meekness (4240 /praýtēs, "gentle-force") begins with the Lord's inspiration and finishes by His direction and empowerment. It is a divinely-balanced virtue that can only operate through faith (cf. 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22-25).
“Self-control”: Strong’s: The word “Self-control” is the Greek word egkrateia (1466), which means self-control, temperance
HELPS Word-studies: 1466 egkráteia (from 1722 /en, "in the sphere of" and 2904 /krátos, "dominion, mastery") – properly, dominion within, i.e., "self-control" – proceeding out from within oneself, but not by oneself.
For the believer, 1466 /egkráteia ("self-control, Spirit-control") can only be accomplished by the power of the Lord. Accordingly, 1466 /egkráteia ("true mastery from within") is explicitly called a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23).
“Crucified”: Strong’s: The word “Crucified” is the Greek word stauroó (4717), which means to crucify
HELPS Word-studies: 4717 stauróō – to crucify, literally used of the Romans crucifying Christ on a wooden cross. "Crucify" (4717 /stauróō) is also used figuratively of putting the old self to death by submitting all decisions (desires) to the Lord. This utterly and decisively rejects the decision to live independently from Him.

I cannot stress enough that these are not optional. If you claim to be a Christian, you must live by the Word of God and produce fruit of the Spirit in your life. Before we look at the Scriptures that teach us how to live them out, we will first examine a few more passages that show the fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35 NASB® 1995

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18 NASB® 1995

“Pure”: Strong’s: The word “Pure” is the Greek word hagnos (53), which means pure, chaste, holy
HELPS Word-studies: 53 hagnós (an adjective, which may be cognate with 40 /hágios, "holy," so TDNT, 1, 122) – properly, pure (to the core); virginal (chaste, unadultered); pure inside and out; holy because uncontaminated (undefiled from sin), i.e., without spoilation even within (even down to the center of one's being); not mixed with guilt or anything condemnable.
“Peaceable”: Strong’s: The word “Peaceable” is the Greek word eirénikos (1516), which means peaceable, peaceful
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1516 eirēnikós – what pertains to peace, i.e., God's gift of wholenesswhich results from knowing (discerning) the Lord's will and obeying it.
“Gentle”: Strong’s: The word “Gentle” is the Greek word epieikés (1933), which means gentle, reasonable, moderate, forbearing
HELPS Word-studies: 1933 epieikḗs(an adjective, derived from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting" and eikos, "equitable, fair"; also see the noun-form, 1932 /epieíkeia, "equity-justice") – properly, equitable; "gentle" in the sense of truly fair by relaxing overly strict standards to keep the "spirit of the law."
1933 /epieikḗs ("justice beyond ordinary justice") builds on the real intent(purpose) of what is really at stake (note the epi, "upon") – and hence, is true equity that appropriately fulfills the spirit (not just the letter) of the law.
“Reasonable”: Strong’s: The word “Reasonable” is the Greek word eupeithes (2138), which means compliant, willing to yield, easily persuaded
HELPS Word-studies: 2138 eupeithḗs (from 2095 /eú, "well" and 3982 /peíthō, "persuade") – properly, "well-persuaded," already inclined, i.e., already willing (pre-disposed, favorable to); easy to come to terms with because already willing. 2138 /eupeithḗs ("yield") only occurs in Js 3:17.
“Mercy”: Strong’s: The word “Mercy” is the Greek word eleos (1656), which means mercy, compassion, pity
HELPS Word-studies: 1656 éleos (translating OT 2617 /kataisxýnō, "covenant-loyalty, covenant-love" in the OT-LXX over 170 times) – properly, "mercy" as it is defined by loyalty to God's covenant.
“Unwavering”: Strong’s: The word “Unwavering” is the Greek word adiakritos (87), which means unwavering, impartial, without partiality
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON: 2. without dubiousness, ambiguity, or uncertainty
“Without Hypocrisy”: Strong’s: The words “Without Hypocrisy” are the Greek word anupokritos (505), which means sincere, genuine, without hypocrisy
HELPS Word-studies: 505 anypókritos (an adjective, derived from alpha-privative 1 /A "not" and 5271/hypokrínomai, "to act as a hypocrite") – properly, not a phony ("put on"), describing sincere behavior free from hidden agendas (selfish motives) – literally, "without hypocrisy" (unfeigned).
“Righteousness”: Strong’s: The word “Righteousness” is the Greek word dikaiosuné (1343), which means righteousness, justice
HELPS Word-studies: 1343 dikaiosýnē (from 1349 /díkē, "a judicial verdict") – properly, judicial approval (the verdict of approval); in the NT, the approval of God ("divine approval").
1343 /dikaiosýnē ("divine approval") is the regular NT term used for righteousness ("God's judicial approval"). 1343 /dikaiosýnē ("the approval of God") refers to what is deemed right by the Lord (after His examination), i.e., what is approved in His eyes.

This next section of Scripture shows us the difference between the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are important, and there is a separate post about them, but they do not tell us if the tree is good. Here is the link to learn more about Spiritual Gifts.

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous;
love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly;
it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;
but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 NASB® 1995

“Patient”: Strong’s: The word “Patient” is the Greek word makrothumeó (3114), it is a verb which means to be patient, to endure, to be long-suffering
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 3114 makrothyméō – properly, long-tempered (to defer anger), refusing to retaliate with anger, because of human reasoning. [The literal sense of the term is "extending a long time (way)."] 3114 /makrothyméō ("showing divinely-directed patience") is "longsuffering" because it only expresses anger as the Lord directs (i.e., is the opposite of being "quick-tempered"). See 3115 (makrothymia).
“Kind”: Strong’s: The word “Kind” is the Greek word chrésteuomai (5541), which means to be kind, to show oneself useful or benevolent
Not “Jealous”: Strong’s: The word “Jealous” is the Greek word zéloó (2206), which means to be zealous, to be jealous, to desire earnestly
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 2206 zēlóō (an onomatopoetic word, imitating the sound of boiling water) – properly, to bubble over because so hot (boiling); (figuratively) "to burn with zeal" (J. Thayer); "to be deeply committed to something, with the implication of accompanying desire – 'to be earnest, to set one's heart on, to be completely intent upon' " (L & N, 1, 25.76).
Does not “Brag”: Strong’s: The word “Brag” is the Greek word perpereuomai (4968), which means to boast, to be arrogant, to vaunt oneself
HELPS Word-studies: 4068 perpereúomai (from perperos, "a braggart") – to act as a braggart, i.e., a "show off" who needs too much attention (used only in 1 Corinthians 13:4).
Not “Arrogant”: Strong’s: The word “Arrogant” is the Greek word phusioó (5448), which means to puff up, to inflate, to make proud
HELPS Word-studies: 5448 physióō (from physa, "air-bellows") – properly, inflate by blowing; (figuratively) swelled up, like an egotistical person spewing out arrogant ("puffed-up") thoughts.
Does not “Act unbecomingly”: Strong’s: The word “Act unbecomingly” is the Greek word aschémoneó (807), which means to behave improperly, to act unbecomingly
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 807 asxēmonéō (from 809 /asxḗmōn, "without proper shape, form") – to act unseemly (literally, "improperly"); (figuratively) to lack proper form and hence thought of as unseemly (indecent, unbecoming).
Not “Provoked”: Strong’s: The word “Provoked” is the Greek word paroxunó (3947), which means to provoke, to stir up, to incite
HELPS Word-studies: 3947 paroksýnō (from 3844 /pará, "alongside" and oxys, "a sharp edge") – properly, cut close alongside, i.e. to incite ("jab") someone and stimulate their feelings (emotions); "become emotionally provoked (upset, roused to anger)" (A-S), as personally "getting to someone"; (figuratively) "to provoke feelings, spurring someone to action" (Souter).
“Take account”: Strong’s: The word “Take account” is the Greek word logizomai (3049), which means to reckon, to consider, to account, to think, to impute.
HELPS Word-studies: 3049 logízomai (the root of the English terms "logic, logical") – properly, compute, "take into account"; reckon (come to a "bottom-line"), i.e. reason to a logical conclusion(decision).
“Wrong”: Strong’s: The word “Wrong” is the Greek word kakos (2556), which means bad, evil, wicked, harmful
HELPS Word-studies: 2556 kakós (an adjective, and the root of 2549 /kakía, "inner malice") – properly, inwardly foul, rotten (poisoned); (figuratively) inner malice flowing out of a morally-rotten character (= the "rot is already in the wood").
Does not “Rejoice”: Strong’s: The word “Rejoice” is the Greek word chairó (5463), which means rejoice, be glad, be joyful
HELPS Word-studies: 5463 xaírō (from the root xar-, "favorably disposed, leaning towards" and cognate with 5485 /xáris, "grace") – properly, to delight in God's grace ("rejoice") – literally, to experience God's grace (favor), be conscious (glad) for His grace.
Unrighteousness”: Strong’s: The word “Unrighteousness” is the Greek word adikia (93), which means injustice, unrighteousness, wrongdoing
HELPS Word-studies: 93 adikía (a feminine noun derived from 1 /A "not" and 1349 /díkē, "justice") – properly, the opposite of justice; unrighteousness, as a violation of God's standards (justice) which brings divine disapproval; a count (violation) of God's justice, i.e. what is contrary to His righteous judgments (what He approves).
“Rejoices”: Strong’s: The word “Rejoices” is the Greek word sugchairó (4796), which means to rejoice with, to be glad with
HELPS Word-studies: 4796 sygxaírō (from 4862 /sýn, "identify with" and 5463 /xaírō, "rejoicing in God's grace") – properly, sharing God's grace with another person, so that both rejoice together (mutually participate in God's favor, grace).
“Truth”: Strong’s: The word “Truth” is the Greek word alétheia (225), which means truth
HELPS Word-studies: 225 alḗtheia (from 227 /alēthḗs, "true to fact") – properly, truth (true to fact), reality.
[In ancient Greek culture, 225 (alḗtheia) was synonymous for "reality" as the opposite of illusion, i.e. fact.]
“Bears”: Strong’s: The word “Bears” is the Greek word stegó (4722), which means to cover, to bear, to endure
HELPS Word-studies: 4722 stégō – properly, to place under roof, to cover-over (with a roof); (figuratively) to endure because shielded, i.e. bearing up (forbearing) because under the Lord's protection (covering).
“Endures”: Strong’s: The word “Endures” is the Greek word hupomenó (5278), which means to endure, to persevere, to remain steadfast
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 5278 hypoménō – literally, remaining under (the load), bearing up (enduring); for the believer, this uniquely happens by God's power (cf. 1 Thes 3:5).
“Fails”: Strong’s: The word “Fails” is the Greek word piptón (4098), which means to fall, to descend, to perish, to fail

I want to point out that when Paul states that “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things,” he is referring to the all things of God. He would not tell us to bear with lies or endure demonic things.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:12-17 NASB® 1995

When we examine the fruit of the Holy Spirit, we see a beautiful way to live, but it does not happen simply because we say we are Christians. There is a refining process that must take place in our lives to become what the Word of God says we must become.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1-5 NASB® 1995

Tribulations bring growth opportunities. This is where we must make a choice to die to our natural way of reacting to things and take on God’s way of handling situations. Oftentimes, responding God’s way may seem too difficult; in those times, we are to ask Him for help.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:6-9 NASB® 1995

“Distressed”: Strong’s: The word “Distressed” is the Greek word lupeó (3076), which means to grieve, to cause sorrow, to distress
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 3076 lypéō (from 3077 /lýpē, "deep grief") – to experience deep, emotional pain (sadness), i.e. severe sorrow (grief). 3076 (lypéō) is very intense and hence even used of the pain of childbirth (see Gen 3:16, LXX).
“Various”: Strong’s: The word “Various” is the Greek word poikilos (4164), which means various, manifold, diverse
“Trials”: Strong’s: The word “Trials” is the Greek word peirasmos (3986), which means temptation, trial, testing
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 3986 peirasmós (from 3985 /peirázō) – temptation or test – both senses can apply simultaneously (depending on the context). The positive sense ("test") and negative sense ("temptation") are functions of the context (not merely the words themselves).

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:2-5 NASB® 1995

You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
And He scourges every son whom He receives.”
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:4-13 NASB® 1995

We need to understand that discipline from the mind of God is good. It is what removes sin from our lives, makes us like our Heavenly Father, and teaches us how to produce the fruit He is looking for in our lives.

Paul tells us to examine ourselves to determine whether we are in the faith.

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV

For more on examining yourself, see: Test and Examine Yourself

For more on the Holy Spirit, see Foundation of the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, The Holy Spirit’s Frustration with God’s People

References:

“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
Strong’s Greek/Hebrew: Biblehub.com
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Biblehub.com
Edited 2/2026