A Practical Guide to the Fruit of the Spirit

For years, I have lived in the world of ministry and leadership. I have planted churches in the mountains of Peru, mentored young men entering the mission field, and navigated the highs and lows of organizational growth. Specifically, I have learned that leadership is far less about what you do and much more about who you are.

In my early years, I thought leadership was about performance. I believed that if I worked harder, preached longer, and organized better, I would be the leader God wanted me to be. However, after five decades, a battle with Stage 4 kidney cancer, and a near-death experience with COVID-19, I have come to see things differently. True leadership isn't a product of your willpower; it is the natural outflow of your union with Jesus Christ.

When we talk about the character of a leader, we inevitably turn to the "Fruit of the Spirit." But many people treat this list like a job description or a set of rules to follow. That is a mistake. You don't "do" the fruit; you "bear" the fruit.

The Source of Leadership Character

Before we look at the individual traits, we must understand the source. If you try to manufacture these qualities through sheer grit, you will eventually burn out. Therefore, we must look at what Jesus said about how growth actually happens.

John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Leadership character is "Spirit-grown," not "self-manufactured." When you rest in the finished work of Christ and realize you are already loved, the Spirit begins to produce a new kind of life in you. This is what it looks like in the daily life of a leader.

1. Love: The Foundation of Influence

In the Kingdom of God, love is not a feeling; it is a commitment to the well-being of others. Specifically, for a leader, love means seeing people as individuals made in the image of God rather than tools to accomplish a goal.

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

When you lead from love, you listen more than you speak. You value the person over the project. I have found that people will follow a leader through the fire if they know that leader truly loves them.

2. Joy: The Energy of the Team

Joy is the quiet confidence that God is in control, regardless of the circumstances. Meanwhile, a leader without joy is usually governed by fear. If your team sees you constantly stressed and worried, they will reflect that same energy.

Joyful leadership provides a safe environment where people can fail without fear of being discarded. It recognizes that our worth isn't tied to our performance. As I often say, "You are not behind. You are not being graded. You are being held."

3. Peace: The Anchor in Conflict

Leadership is full of storms. Consequently, a leader must be a non-anxious presence. Peace is the ability to remain calm when the budget is tight or when a key team member leaves.

Practical application: In a heated meeting, the leader with the fruit of peace doesn't need to win the argument. They have a peace that passes understanding because their identity is secure in Christ, not in their reputation.

4. Patience: Trusting the Timing

I call this "longsuffering." It is the trust that God is working in people's lives, even when you can't yet see the progress. For years, I wanted things to happen instantly. However, I learned that growth takes time.

Patience in leadership means allowing people the room to grow at their own pace. It means believing that God’s timing for a project is better than your deadline. This requires a big leap of faith, believing that God is for you and that His timing is perfect.

5. Kindness: The Tool of Grace

Kindness is grace in action. It is the decision to withhold judgment and extend compassion. In leadership, kindness is shown in how you deliver feedback and how you handle mistakes.

A kind leader doesn't use their authority to crush others. Instead, they use their influence to lift others up. Remember, "Loved people become loving people." When you realize how kind God has been to you, it becomes natural to be kind to those you lead.

6. Goodness: Integrity in the Dark

Goodness is about aligning your private life with your public persona. It is the uprightness of heart that chooses to do the right thing even when it's the hard thing.

For a leader, goodness means being transparent. It means admitting when you’re wrong and taking responsibility. This creates a culture of honesty and trust, essential for any ministry to thrive.

7. Faithfulness: The Stewardship of the Small

Faithfulness is the commitment to the "little things" over the long haul. My wife Betty and I have been married since 1973, and we have served together in many capacities. Faithfulness isn't about one big heroic act; it's about showing up every day.

In leadership, faithfulness means being a person of your word. If you say you will do something, you do it. Specifically, it involves being a good steward of the people and resources God has placed under your care.

8. Gentleness: Power Under Control

Many people mistake gentleness for weakness. However, in leadership, gentleness is a powerful tool for de-escalating conflict. It is the ability to handle a difficult situation with a soft touch rather than a hammer.

Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

When a leader responds with gentleness rather than defensiveness, they create a space for reconciliation. It is the strength to be humble even when you have the power to be harsh.

9. Self-Control: The Freedom of 'No'

Finally, we have self-control (or temperance). This is the freedom to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the best. Without self-control, a leader is a slave to their impulses, their ego, and their calendar.

Self-control allows a leader to prioritize rest and relationship over constant activity. It is the discipline to stop working and abide in the Vine. As I always remind those I mentor, "Rest doesn't come after you fix yourself. Rest comes first."

Leading from the Finished Work

If you look at this list and feel overwhelmed, take heart. The Christian life was never meant to be powered by fear, pressure, or performance. It was meant to be lived from a place of being loved first. These traits are not requirements you must meet to earn God’s favor; they are the beautiful results of being filled with His Spirit.

When you stop trying to "audition" for God and start resting in His covenant love, you'll find that these qualities start appearing in your life naturally. You won't have to grit your teeth to be patient; the Spirit will provide the patience as you trust in Him. You won't have to force yourself to be kind; you'll be so overwhelmed by God's mercy that kindness will simply overflow.

Leadership is a journey of becoming more like Jesus. It is a walk of grace, not a race of performance. Whether you are leading a large organization or just leading your family, remember that God is not disappointed in you. He is with you, and He is the one who will complete the good work He started in you.

If you are looking for more resources on leading from a place of rest and identity, I invite you to explore the Resource Library or connect with us at Alignment Ministries.

FAQ: Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit in Leadership

Why can’t I seem to "produce" these traits through my own effort?

The Fruit of the Spirit is exactly that: fruit of the Spirit, not fruit of the human will. When we try to manufacture these traits, we are operating under a performance-based mindset. Instead, focus on abiding in Christ and resting in His love; the character change will happen as a natural byproduct of that relationship.

What should I do when I fail as a leader and don't show these fruits?

Don't fall into the trap of shame or guilt. Grace is not just for the beginning of your journey; it is for every step of the way. Specifically, acknowledge your failure, receive God's forgiveness, and remind yourself that your identity is found in Christ's performance, not your own.

Is gentleness really effective in a high-pressure leadership environment?

Absolutely. Gentleness is not about being a doormat; it is about having such a deep security in God that you don't need to use intimidation to lead. In high-pressure situations, a gentle leader can lower the anxiety of the entire team, allowing everyone to think more clearly and work more effectively.

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