There is a saying that, by their fruits you will know them. It means that the way we act and live, outward signs or attributes of our character, reveal who we are. Those attributes, or fruits of the spirit, are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Answer the following questions about some of those traits. Using a scale of 1-10 – with 1 being rarely, and 10 being usually, think about how often you practice the behaviors and attitudes mentioned. Save your score and re-take the test periodically to compare your scores and see if you’re improving.
Love:
- I find it easy to tell those I care about that I love them.
- Love inspires me to be patient and kind to others.
- I can respond with love to people who are difficult or unkind.
- I show my children that I love them unconditionally.
Joy:
- I am a joyful person.
- I share in others’ joy.
- My home is full of joy.
- I make others joyful when I am with them.
- I am joyful even when things don’t go my way.
Peace:
- I am calm when life around me is crazy.
- I am a peacemaker.
- I act out peace in my closest relationships.
- I have a sense of peace instead of a sense of worry.
Patience:
- I find it easy to wait for people when they are late.
- I am slow to anger.
- I use hard times as a way to develop patience.
- I can wait patiently for the things I want.
Kindness:
- Others would describe me as a kind person.
- I can put the needs of others ahead of my own.
- I regularly give up my time or resources to help others.
- I set an example of kindness for my children.
Adapted from original content by Ken Weliever.
