Come Holy Spirit Series: Part B: Week 1 The Fruits of the Spirit ( overview)

 Come Holy Spirit Series. 

Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit Series – 

Part Two: The Fruits of the Spirit

Week 1 – What the Spirit Grows Within Us

Welcome back to Come Holy Spirit, a journey we began seven weeks ago by looking deeply at the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit—those beautiful seeds planted in us at Confirmation and stirred again by grace.

Now we begin the next movement of our walk:
The Fruits of the Spirit—the outward signs that the gifts are active and alive within us.

This is how we know the Spirit is not just visiting, but dwelling and transforming.

 

What Are the Fruits of the Spirit?

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are listed in Galatians 5:22–23:

“The fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

The Catholic tradition expands the list to 12, drawing from the Vulgate and Church tradition (Galatians + writings from early Fathers and spiritual reflection):

• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Generosity
• Gentleness
• Faithfulness
• Modesty
• Self-control
• Chastity

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church – Q. 390
“The fruits of the Holy Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory.”

 

How Do the Fruits Relate to the Gifts?

The Gifts of the Spirit are planted in us. The Fruits of the Spirit are what grow when we nurture and live from those gifts.

For example:

• When we use the gift of Wisdom, we begin to bear the fruit of Peace.
• When Fortitude is active in our life, we start to see Patience and Faithfulness.
• When Piety and Fear of the Lord grow, they lead to Modesty and Chastity.

The gifts help us receive God's grace.
The fruits show that grace is shaping our lives.

 

Why Are the Fruits Important?

The Fruits of the Spirit are important because they show that the Holy Spirit is not just with us—but within us.

They are:

• Evidence that our lives are rooted in God.
• A spiritual compass when we feel dry or stuck.
• A way to witness to others without preaching—by our joy, patience, gentleness, and love.
• A measure of growth—not in perfection, but in direction.

They are what grow in us as we cooperate with the gifts.

 

How Can We Practice the Fruits in Daily Life?

Here are some gentle ways to begin “practicing” the fruits:

1. Awareness – Begin by naming them. Each morning, choose one fruit and pray: “Holy Spirit, help me live this fruit today.” We may wish to renew this prayer at lunch time and at evening time.
   
   
2. Examination – At the end of the day, reflect:
   “Where did I live this fruit today? Where did I resist it?”
   
   
3. Ask for Help –  It is important to have the right mindset about the fruits. We need to remember that these fruits are not achievements. They are responses to grace. If a fruit feels missing, ask for it honestly.
   
   
4. Let Them Flow – Fruits often show up when we stop striving and start surrendering. Make room for the Spirit by being quiet, praying honestly, and choosing love over ego.

 

Over the Next 12 Weeks...

We will take one fruit each week. We will reflect on it, explore Scripture, and see how it might be gently practiced in our lives—no pressure, just openness.

Each post will offer:

• A simple reflection
• Relevant Scriptures
• A “Soul Practice” for the week
• A closing prayer

Opportunity for Journaling our Journey: Making Room for the Fruits of the Spirit

During this week, we may wish to journal about the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Set aside 10–15 minutes this week to pray and write. Let the Spirit nudge your heart as you reflect: Here are some reflection questions to consider:

 

Understanding the Fruits

1. What do I currently know or believe about the Fruits of the Holy Spirit?
2. Have I ever consciously asked the Holy Spirit to grow these fruits in me?
3. Have I noticed any confusion in the past about the difference between gifts and fruits? If so, what’s becoming clearer now?

Seeing the Fruits

4. Which of the 12 fruits do I recognise in myself most easily?
5. Are there any fruits that I used to see in myself, but seem quieter or missing lately?
6. Are there any fruits I long to grow in more deeply right now? Why those?
7. Is there a fruit I find especially difficult to understand or practice?

Perception vs. Reality

8. How do I think others see me? Do I believe they see the fruits of the Spirit in me?

9.    Have I ever been surprised by someone else's perception of me? For example: Ask a couple you know well to share with you the fruits of the Spirit they see operating in you.

10. What does that reveal about how we might underestimate what the Spirit is doing in us—even when others see it clearly?

Moving Forward with the Spirit

11. What small, concrete step can I take this week to open my heart to one of the fruits?
12. How can I invite the Holy Spirit to show me what fruit He wants to grow in me right now?

Lord, I don’t always know what fruit is growing in me, or what others see.
Help me to see as You see, grow as You desire, and let Your presence bear quiet fruit in my life. Amen.

 

Closing Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, Lord of Life,
You have planted gifts in me—now teach me how to let them grow.
Form in me the fruits of Your presence: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.
Let my life reflect You—not by force, but by the quiet beauty of grace alive within.
Amen.