Virtues
Fruit of the Spirit
Nine Christian qualities listed in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
- Tradition or school
- Christianity
- Framework type
- Virtues
- Authority classification
- Traditional
- Observance
- Mixed requirements
- Research status
- Identified for research
- Origin period
- First century CE
- Origin region
- Eastern Mediterranean
- Attributed origin
- Paul's Letter to the Galatians
- Intended audience
- Christian communities
- Published constituent items
- 9
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2026
Names and terminology
Alternative names: Ninefold Fruit of the Spirit
Primary texts and authority
Galatians 5:22–23.
Rules, principles or steps
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Love
Act with sustained concern for the well-being and dignity of others.
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Joy
Cultivate appreciative well-being without denying suffering or injustice.
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Peace
Reduce hostility and support just, nonviolent relationships.
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Patience
Respond to frustration without cruelty or reckless reaction.
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Kindness
Offer considerate and practical help.
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Goodness
Choose conduct directed toward genuine benefit rather than appearance.
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Faithfulness
Be reliable in legitimate commitments and relationships.
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Gentleness
Use strength without needless harshness or humiliation.
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Self-control
Regulate impulses that could cause harm.
Historical development
The list became a widely taught Christian account of qualities associated with life guided by the Spirit.
Variations
Translations differ on patience or forbearance, goodness or generosity, and faith or faithfulness.
Traditional interpretation
The qualities are understood as the result of spiritual transformation rather than isolated achievements.
Controversies and disputes
Gentleness and patience must not be interpreted as requiring silence in the face of abuse or injustice.
Truth By Reason analysis
The list offers a constructive virtue framework. Its qualities are ethically valuable when joined to truth, justice, boundaries and practical responsibility.
Ethical themes
Sources
- Galatians 5:22–23 — Fruit of the Spirit Mainstream secondary source