Who are we? If we misunderstand our identity, producing the fruit of the Spirit will always feel like a struggle. According to Galatians 5:13–26, we see a clear contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

When you’re born again (John 3:3–6), you don’t receive a cleaned-up version of your old self—you receive a brand new spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17). That new spirit is righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21), and you’re no longer a sinner trying to behave—you’re a child of God learning to walk in alignment with who you now are.

Although our spirit is made new, our conduct (mind and flesh) must be renewed (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:22–24). Salvation is a gift by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9), but the fruit we produce is our responsibility. The fruit of the Spirit is the outward evidence of an inward spiritual transformation.