Imagine with me a tree that bears at least nine different kinds of fruit. Believe it or not there is a tree that scientist have developed that bear 40 different kinds of fruit from one tree. The only catch is that humans must graft the branches of stone fruit or (fruit with pits) to get the desired result. But think about a tree that produces all different kinds and varieties of fruit from the same tree on a consistent basis. This means that the unusual vine could produce grapes, bananas, apples, peaches, plums etc.. all at once, all the time. The Scripture passage we will look at today talks about the fruit that a Christian produces. It is many different characteristics but one fruit of the Spirit. 

Galatians 5:16–26 (HCSB): 

16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. 26 We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

The main concept we need to understand from this passage is that Paul is using the word "fruit" singularly. It is not plural. Most commentators view the characteristics that are listed here as a unit. But while it is true that these are a unit, the idea does not mean every Christian will always produce every one completely and at all times.

All Christians have certain areas in which they will grow at a more rapid pace than in other areas. Think of it this way; If since becoming a Christian a person grew quickly in love, patience and kindness, but struggled with self-discipline in getting angry, are we to discredit them with the growth of love, patience, and kindness by the Holy Spirit? The Bible never supports that idea.

The fruit of the Spirit are not emotions. They are character qualities determined by how we act not by how we feel. We may get angry, but if we do not act unkindly in our anger, we may have still manifested the fruit of the Spirit. We could be agitated or extremely fearful about some circumstance in our life, but still manifest the fruit of the Sprit. Can that be possible? Yes, by not rejecting God, and lashing out at people, but instead trusting God a doing the right thing in our agitation and fear. The fruit of the Spirit doesn't equal constant emotional tranquility.

At times we have no control over our emotions. When we get angry, we are angry and trying to tell ourselves we should not be angry doesn’t always make the anger go away. But we can control if we sin when we are angry (Ephesians 4:26). The key is to act according to what the Scriptures tell us is right or wrong.