Albert Barnes Commentary Galatians 5:22

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," — Galatians 5:22 (ASV)

But the fruit of the Spirit. That which the Holy Spirit produces. It is evidently not without design that the apostle uses the word "Spirit" here, indicating that these things do not flow from our own nature. The vices listed above are the characteristic "works" or result of the operations of the human heart; the virtues he lists are produced by an external influence—the agency of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Paul does not trace them to our own hearts, even when renewed. He says that they are to be regarded as the characteristic result of the Spirit's operations on the soul.

Is love. This refers to love for God and for people. The latter is probably particularly intended here, as the fruits of the Spirit are contrasted with those vices that lead to conflicts among people. For the meaning of the word love, see the notes on 1 Corinthians 13:1; and for an illustration of its operations and effects, see the notes on that whole chapter.

Joy. In the love of God; in the evidences of pardon; in communion with the Redeemer, and in His service; in the duties of religion, in trial, and in the hope of heaven. (See the notes on Romans 5:2).

(Compare to 1 Peter 1:8).

Peace. As the result of reconciliation with God. (See the notes on Romans 5:1).

Long-suffering. In affliction and trial, and when injured by others. (See the notes on 1 Corinthians 13:4).

Gentleness. This is the same word that is translated kindness in 2 Corinthians 6:6. (See the notes on 2 Corinthians 6:6).

The word means goodness, kindness, and benignity, and is opposed to a harsh, irritable, or perverse temper. It is a disposition to be agreeable; it is mildness of temper, calmness of spirit, an unruffled disposition, and a tendency to treat everyone with courtesy and politeness.

This is one of the regular effects of the Spirit's operations on the heart. Religion does not make anyone irritable, morose, or sour. It sweetens the temper, corrects an irritable disposition, makes the heart kind, and disposes us to make everyone around us as happy as possible. This is true politeness: a kind of politeness that can be far better learned in the school of Christ than in that of Chesterfield, by the study of the New Testament rather than under the direction of a dancing instructor.

Goodness. (See the notes on Romans 15:14).

Here the word seems to be used in the sense of beneficence, or a disposition to do good to others. The meaning is that a Christian must be a good person.

Faith. Regarding the meaning of the word faith, see the notes on Mark 16:16.

The word here may be used in the sense of fidelity, and may indicate that the Christian will be a faithful person—someone faithful to their word and promises, a person who can be trusted or confided in. It is probable that the word is used in this sense because the apostle's object is not so much to speak of the feelings we have toward God, as to illustrate the Spirit's influences in directing and controlling our feelings toward others.

True religion makes a person faithful. The Christian is faithful in their various roles: as a neighbor, friend, father or mother, husband or wife, son or daughter. They are faithful to their contracts and promises. No one can be a Christian who is not thus faithful; and all pretensions to being under the influences of the Spirit, when such fidelity does not exist, are deceitful and vain.