The annoying disparity between gifts and fruit

Just as a gift is given, the Holy Spirit also gives gifts to God’s children. Once the gift is given, the person is able to use it immediately – no strings attached (sort of).
On the other hand, fruit takes time to grow and ripen. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).
It can be utterly annoying to see someone flowing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit but lacking character in various areas of their personality (Tweet this). The person may be angry, rash, or bitter. Or impatience may be destroying the person in their personal life. Their relationships may be shattered due to habits that pull them apart from others.
When we see such problems in people, we may question the genuineness of the gift. In such people, we may disregard the gift because of the gaps in their character. It is the responsibility of the person to work along with the Holy Spirit as the Spirit molds their character and person to reflect that of Christ.
Don’t be troubled by the disparity between gifts and fruit. It’s natural.
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