Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit
by Joseph Warren Grammer
by Joseph Warren Grammer
As many of us open our scriptures and read about the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, we often do not consider that there is a differences between the two. The purpose of this chapter, therefore, is to try and point out those differences and their significance. However, the reader must keep in mind that this chapter is not intended to list all of the gifts of the Spirit or all of the fruits of the Spirit; for there are so many of both, it could be an almost impossible task, and besides, it isn’t the purpose of this study to do so.
Gifts of the Spirit
To start with, let us turn to the Seventh Article of Faith, which reads: “We believe in the gifts of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.” The thirteen Articles of Faith are not what we Latter-day Saints believe. The Articles of Faith only REPRESENT what we believe. What we believe encompasses far more than these few words as expressed in the articles. For example, the Seventh Article of Faith concludes with the words, “and so forth.” What are the so forths? Obviously, there is more to our beliefs than what can be found in the few words we read in the Articles of Faith.
The Apostle Paul said there are many different gifts. He also said there are many diversities in the operation and administration of the Spirit, yet it is the same God that performs the work in all of us. Moroni expressed a similar testimony, as did the Prophet Joseph Smith. (1 Cor. 12:4-6; Moro. 10:8, 17-18; D&C 46:8-12.) Probably the greatest gift is the gift of a testimony of Jesus the Christ. Paul told the Corinthians: “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” (1 Cor. 12:3.) For the Corinthians Paul listed a few of the gifts of the Spirit: word of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:8-12.)
Moroni listed many of the gifts of the Spirit as: teach the word of wisdom; teach the word of knowledge, exceedingly great faith, healing, work mighty miracles, prophesy concerning all things, beholding of angels and ministering spirits, all kinds of tongues, interpretation of languages, and of divers kinds of tongues. (Moro. 10:9-16.) Alma listed a few of the same and added revelation, preaching, and gift of the Holy Ghost. (Alma 9:21.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith also had somewhat to say about the matter. In D&C 46 he listed some of the gifts as: know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world, believe on the words of testifier’s of Christ, know the differences of administration of the Spirit, know the diversities of operations of the Spirit, the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith to be healed, faith to heal, working of miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, speak with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. (D&C 46:13-26; 121:26.)
The Savior said that we are not to forget the gifts He has given to the Church: “And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.” (D&C 46:10.) He tells us there are purposes for the bestowing of gifts of the Spirit. He said one reason is so we will “not be deceived,” and for that reason we are to seek for the “best gifts,” keeping in mind why “they are given.” (D&C 46:8.) We are also told that gifts are for the benefit of the children of God, those who love Him and keep all His commandments (D&C 46:9, 26), and to profit them. (1 Cor. 12:7; Moro. 10:8.)
As has been noted, there are many different gifts, all operated and being administered in different ways, and every man does not have all of the gifts. However, every man does have one or more, for the Lord said, “... all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. (D&C 46:11.) The Apostle Paul explains that the same Spirit divides to every man the gifts he is to have, all men being an important part of the same body of Christ. And one is not to say to another, “I have no need of thee,” but that the differing “members should have the same care one for another.” (1 Cor. 12:11-12, 21, 25.)
A Partial List of the Gifts of the Spirit
As stated at the beginning, it is not our purpose to include a list of all the gifts of the Spirit for it could be an overwhelming task. However, a consolidated list will be made of those we have mentioned so far. Remember, it is not an all-inclusive list.
Some of the many gifts of the Spirit include: having a testimony that Jesus is the Son of God that was crucified for the sins of the world, believing on the words of those who testify of Christ, beholding of angels, exceedingly great faith, faith to heal, faith to be healed, gift of the Holy Ghost, knowledge, discerning of spirits, beholding of ministering spirits, knowing the differences of administration of the Spirit, knowing the diversities of operations of the Spirit, working of mighty miracles, preaching, prophesying concerning all things, revelation, speak all kinds of tongues, interpretation and translation of tongues, interpretation of languages, word of knowledge, teaching the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and teaching the word of wisdom.
Fruits of the Spirit
The Lord said, “... he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you.” (D&C 52:17.) As there are many gifts of the Spirit, there are also many fruits of the Spirit. In writing to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23.) And to the Ephesians he said, “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” (Eph. 5:9.) In exhorting the saints to make their calling and election sure, Peter listed many of the fruits, of the Spirit. They included: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. He said if they had these attributes they would be fruitful in their “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He continued by saying, if they did not have these attributes of Christ they were blind, but if they did possess these things they would never fall. (See 2 Pet. 1:4-11.)
A revelation given to Joseph Smith, Sen., included all of the above fruits, plus more. They are: faith, hope, charity, love, an eye single to the glory of God, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. (D&C 4:5-6.) And Alma said that those who are sanctified by the Holy Ghost, “... could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence;...” (Alma 13:12.)
From Brigham Young we learn that when we possess the Spirit of God our “minds will be open to comprehend the things of God,” and we will not set our “hearts upon the things of this world.” Parley P. Pratt said that the Holy Ghost “enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections.... It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity.” (Key to the Science of Theology, p. 6.) And from the Prophet Joseph Smith we read that the Spirit will give us the ability to “build up the kingdom of God.” The Prophet also said that “It will teach us what to do and where to go ... it will whisper peace and joy to our souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from our hearts”; and our “whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the Kingdom of God.”
A Partial List of the Fruits of the Spirit
The following is a partial list of fruits of the Spirit. Like the list of gifts we read before, this list is not all-inclusive; there are many more that could be listed. Some of the fruits of the Spirit are: an eye single to the glory of God, brotherly kindness, charity, diligence, faith, gentleness, godliness, goodness, hope, humility, joy, kindness, knowledge, longsuffering, love, meekness, patience, peace, temperance, tenderness, and virtue. Minds will be open to comprehend the things of God; all natural passions and affections enlarged, expanded, and purified; hearts will not be upon the things of this world; the abhorrence of sin; peace and joy whispered to the souls; malice, hatred, strife and all evil will be taken from the heart; all desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the Kingdom of God.
By Their Fruits Ye May Know Them
Since there are differences between gifts of the Spirit and fruits of the Spirit, the question might be asked, how can we distinguish between the two? In some ways, gifts of the Spirit might be considered an outward sign or performance, such as speaking in tongues, prophesying, healing, teaching, and so forth. Fruits, on the other hand, might be considered as an inward attribute, such as patience, love, joy, peace, temperance, and the like. The gifts of the Spirit are more external, for the blessing of others, while the fruits of the Spirit are more of an indwelling quality; they may be considered more personal, representing the presence of God in the individual through His Spirit.
This method of trying to discern between gifts and fruits may not always hold true. Some might consider such gifts as revelation, knowledge, and a testimony, which have been listed as gifts, as inward qualities, and rightly so. Faith is listed as both a gift and a fruit. It can be considered a gift in that it is something that is exercised outwardly, and it can be considered a fruit because it is also an inward quality. It might be difficult to try and categorize all gifts as only gifts, and all fruits as only fruits. But there are differences. One difference is that not every man has all the gifts of the Spirit, but all men CAN have all the fruits of the Spirit and experience the indwelling of God.
Another difference between the two might be, what is done in comparison to why something is done. We are talking about the motivation for an act in relation to the act itself; not what gift was performed or exhibited, but rather, why, or by what fruit, was the gift exercised. During His Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matt. 7:21-23.)
The Master said that even those who have the gift of prophesy, or the gift to “cast out devils” or do “many wonderful works” may not “enter into the kingdom of heaven.” He is saying that gifts alone may not get you into Father’s Kingdom. These words were prefaced by the Savior when He said: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:15-20.)
From these verses we learn that a true prophet can be distinguished from a false prophet by his fruits; Jesus did not say they could be distinguished because they possessed gifts. It appears that He was talking about the motivation for an act in relation to the act itself. By analyzing and comparing verses 15-20 with verses 21-23, we see that the Lord was making a distinction between fruits and gifts. We can know if a man is of God by his fruits, not by the gifts he displays.
Testing Spirits
The Lord has provided ways to test the Spirit of man. There are a few principles and guidelines the Lord has provided to help us discern between truth, which is in harmony with God’s purposes, and deception, which is out of alignment with God’s plan. However, we must realize the test is only as good as the tester. If the one doing the testing is not possessed of the proper spirit, if his motives are not righteous, or if his heart is not pure and right with God, his might lack discernment, leaving him open for deception.
One clue of a person’s true intentions is that a person with the Spirit of God will confess Christ. John the Revelator said, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:1-3.)
Moroni provided another test; he taught that the Spirit of God enticeth to do good. He said, “Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil....” He went on to say, “But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.” (Moro. 7:12-13, 16.)
The behavior and attitude of one possessing the Spirit of God will persuade others to: believe Christ (Moro. 7:16); keep the commandments (John 14:15); do good (Moro. 7:16; Ether 4:11); do justly, walk humbly, judge righteously (D&C 11:12); do all things in meekness of heart, walking uprightly before God, do all things with prayers of thanksgiving (D&C 46:7); exercise no compulsion (D&C 121:36-37), and hearken to God’s voice. (Moses 4:4.) The spirit of such a person will edify, bring understanding, and help foster spiritual growth. (D&C 50:23-34.)
The Lord has also given a pattern that we might not be deceived. He said, “And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—.” (D&C 52:14.) Then the Lord said: “Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me. Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens.” (D&C 52:15-19.)
When the Lord wants to emphasize something, He often repeats Himself. Now what is the pattern? Besides calling upon His name, being meek and using language that edifies, and having reverence and respect for God’s power and authority, there were three key factors of the pattern: (1) having a contrite spirit—which was mentioned twice (vv. 15-16); (2) obeying God’s ordinances—also mentioned twice (vv. 15-16); and (3) bringing forth fruits of praise and wisdom—again, mentioned twice (vv. 17-18). And then the Lord said, those that do not bring forth such fruit, according to the pattern, are not of Him. So fruits are to be brought forth according to a pattern the Lord has set down. It appears that contrition and obedience to ordinances are the key factors in the pattern, besides other things, such as prayer, meekness, humility, praise and wisdom. The Lord said that by this pattern we can know the spirits in every situation. Consequently, if we do not bring forth fruits with a contrite spirit and obedience to His laws, then we are not of God. And if we are not His, it should be obvious we will receive no fulness. At least that is the way it seems.
Closing Thoughts
Possessing one or more gifts of the spirit is no evidence of salvation in the Celestial Kingdom, nor our standing before the Lord. As evidenced from the Savior’s Sermon on the Mount, it is apparent that many can possess gifts but not be counted as one of His. As we discussed Matthew 7 we learned from Jesus that, even though some may prophesy and say “Lord, Lord,” they will not necessarily enter into the kingdom of heaven. We discussed proper motivation as the criteria for such an entrance; that criteria being based on the possession of fruits of the Spirit. For He said, “ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7.) He did not say, “ye shall know them by their gifts.” From the scriptures we readily see that possessing gifts is no criteria for righteousness, it is the possession of good fruit, or the fruit of the Spirit. However, the possessing of fruits of the Spirit is hinged upon a pattern set down by the Lord. (D&C 52.)
The Lord said gifts are given “... that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts. (D&C 46:9.) This consuming it upon our lust refers to pride, and we all should know the danger of that fruitless attribute. We must be cautious that we do not get bloated with self-righteousness, becoming as the proud Zoramites, standing upon our Rameumptom (Alma 31:8-22), and losing God’s favor in the process.
Gifts are just that—GIFTS! They cannot be earned, for they are freely given of God. Gifts are displayed outwardly and observed by the world. Therefore, we have no reason to brag, consuming it upon our lusts. Though we are commanded to seek the best gifts (D&C 46:8), we still cannot earn them. Gifts are free.
Fruits, on the other hand, are the results of our inner God-like qualities; the indwelling of His presence. They are based upon obedience, then granted by God due to righteousness. Gifts are the things we DO. Fruits are the things we ARE—those inner attributes by which God measures our righteousness. The grand mistake in life is believing that God will entirely judge us on what we do, that righteousness is based on doing the right things at the right time.
In the television series, Star Trek, some space ships possessed what was called “cloaking devices.” These cloaking devices rendered the space vehicles invisible to their enemies. At this time in our scientific progression, we have not developed such devices. Nevertheless, we achieve much the same effect by our daily actions. We try to hide what we are by what we do. However, it is not what we do that counts, it is what we ARE that the Lord is most concerned with.
When we seek the fruits of the Spirit, we are seeking that Spirit which produces the fruit. And, conversely, when we seek the Spirit, we are seeking the fruits of the Spirit as God will graciously bestow. Those righteously motivated will have: afflictions consecrated for their gain and good (2 Ne. 2:2; Rom. 8:28), ministering of angels to attend them (Moro. 7:35-37), a second witness in their hearts and minds (D&C 8:2), faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye focused on the glory of God above all else (D&C 4:5), no desire to seek for signs (D&C 46:9), the ability to chase darkness from himself (D&C 50:23-25), and much more.
It is important to realize that the presence of one or more fruits of the spirit is no evidence to God of our righteousness, for He already knows what fruits we possess. It is, however, evidence TO US of our obedience and purity of our motives.
How can we tell if we are in possession of the Spirit of God? We can know that we are blessed of the Spirit simply by feeling and knowing we possess one or more of the positive attributes or fruits of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul said that when we possess the fruits of the Spirit, that is how we can know we are acceptable to the Lord: “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” (Eph. 5:9-10.)
It is interesting to note that Paul did not say that those possessing gifts of the Spirit were acceptable unto the Lord, but those possessing the fruits of the Spirit. Only through the Spirit can we receive one of the gifts mentioned, and the fruits of that gift will bear witness that the gift is of God. It appears that we can prove if a particular gift of the Spirit is of God. If it is, it will be accompanied by one or more fruits of the Spirit. If not, then we can know that the gift is not of God. But when we are filled with the Spirit of God, we will also bring forth the fruits of praise unto our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Gifts of the Spirit
To start with, let us turn to the Seventh Article of Faith, which reads: “We believe in the gifts of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.” The thirteen Articles of Faith are not what we Latter-day Saints believe. The Articles of Faith only REPRESENT what we believe. What we believe encompasses far more than these few words as expressed in the articles. For example, the Seventh Article of Faith concludes with the words, “and so forth.” What are the so forths? Obviously, there is more to our beliefs than what can be found in the few words we read in the Articles of Faith.
The Apostle Paul said there are many different gifts. He also said there are many diversities in the operation and administration of the Spirit, yet it is the same God that performs the work in all of us. Moroni expressed a similar testimony, as did the Prophet Joseph Smith. (1 Cor. 12:4-6; Moro. 10:8, 17-18; D&C 46:8-12.) Probably the greatest gift is the gift of a testimony of Jesus the Christ. Paul told the Corinthians: “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” (1 Cor. 12:3.) For the Corinthians Paul listed a few of the gifts of the Spirit: word of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:8-12.)
Moroni listed many of the gifts of the Spirit as: teach the word of wisdom; teach the word of knowledge, exceedingly great faith, healing, work mighty miracles, prophesy concerning all things, beholding of angels and ministering spirits, all kinds of tongues, interpretation of languages, and of divers kinds of tongues. (Moro. 10:9-16.) Alma listed a few of the same and added revelation, preaching, and gift of the Holy Ghost. (Alma 9:21.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith also had somewhat to say about the matter. In D&C 46 he listed some of the gifts as: know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world, believe on the words of testifier’s of Christ, know the differences of administration of the Spirit, know the diversities of operations of the Spirit, the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith to be healed, faith to heal, working of miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, speak with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. (D&C 46:13-26; 121:26.)
The Savior said that we are not to forget the gifts He has given to the Church: “And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.” (D&C 46:10.) He tells us there are purposes for the bestowing of gifts of the Spirit. He said one reason is so we will “not be deceived,” and for that reason we are to seek for the “best gifts,” keeping in mind why “they are given.” (D&C 46:8.) We are also told that gifts are for the benefit of the children of God, those who love Him and keep all His commandments (D&C 46:9, 26), and to profit them. (1 Cor. 12:7; Moro. 10:8.)
As has been noted, there are many different gifts, all operated and being administered in different ways, and every man does not have all of the gifts. However, every man does have one or more, for the Lord said, “... all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. (D&C 46:11.) The Apostle Paul explains that the same Spirit divides to every man the gifts he is to have, all men being an important part of the same body of Christ. And one is not to say to another, “I have no need of thee,” but that the differing “members should have the same care one for another.” (1 Cor. 12:11-12, 21, 25.)
A Partial List of the Gifts of the Spirit
As stated at the beginning, it is not our purpose to include a list of all the gifts of the Spirit for it could be an overwhelming task. However, a consolidated list will be made of those we have mentioned so far. Remember, it is not an all-inclusive list.
Some of the many gifts of the Spirit include: having a testimony that Jesus is the Son of God that was crucified for the sins of the world, believing on the words of those who testify of Christ, beholding of angels, exceedingly great faith, faith to heal, faith to be healed, gift of the Holy Ghost, knowledge, discerning of spirits, beholding of ministering spirits, knowing the differences of administration of the Spirit, knowing the diversities of operations of the Spirit, working of mighty miracles, preaching, prophesying concerning all things, revelation, speak all kinds of tongues, interpretation and translation of tongues, interpretation of languages, word of knowledge, teaching the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and teaching the word of wisdom.
Fruits of the Spirit
The Lord said, “... he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you.” (D&C 52:17.) As there are many gifts of the Spirit, there are also many fruits of the Spirit. In writing to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23.) And to the Ephesians he said, “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” (Eph. 5:9.) In exhorting the saints to make their calling and election sure, Peter listed many of the fruits, of the Spirit. They included: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. He said if they had these attributes they would be fruitful in their “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He continued by saying, if they did not have these attributes of Christ they were blind, but if they did possess these things they would never fall. (See 2 Pet. 1:4-11.)
A revelation given to Joseph Smith, Sen., included all of the above fruits, plus more. They are: faith, hope, charity, love, an eye single to the glory of God, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. (D&C 4:5-6.) And Alma said that those who are sanctified by the Holy Ghost, “... could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence;...” (Alma 13:12.)
From Brigham Young we learn that when we possess the Spirit of God our “minds will be open to comprehend the things of God,” and we will not set our “hearts upon the things of this world.” Parley P. Pratt said that the Holy Ghost “enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections.... It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity.” (Key to the Science of Theology, p. 6.) And from the Prophet Joseph Smith we read that the Spirit will give us the ability to “build up the kingdom of God.” The Prophet also said that “It will teach us what to do and where to go ... it will whisper peace and joy to our souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from our hearts”; and our “whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the Kingdom of God.”
A Partial List of the Fruits of the Spirit
The following is a partial list of fruits of the Spirit. Like the list of gifts we read before, this list is not all-inclusive; there are many more that could be listed. Some of the fruits of the Spirit are: an eye single to the glory of God, brotherly kindness, charity, diligence, faith, gentleness, godliness, goodness, hope, humility, joy, kindness, knowledge, longsuffering, love, meekness, patience, peace, temperance, tenderness, and virtue. Minds will be open to comprehend the things of God; all natural passions and affections enlarged, expanded, and purified; hearts will not be upon the things of this world; the abhorrence of sin; peace and joy whispered to the souls; malice, hatred, strife and all evil will be taken from the heart; all desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the Kingdom of God.
By Their Fruits Ye May Know Them
Since there are differences between gifts of the Spirit and fruits of the Spirit, the question might be asked, how can we distinguish between the two? In some ways, gifts of the Spirit might be considered an outward sign or performance, such as speaking in tongues, prophesying, healing, teaching, and so forth. Fruits, on the other hand, might be considered as an inward attribute, such as patience, love, joy, peace, temperance, and the like. The gifts of the Spirit are more external, for the blessing of others, while the fruits of the Spirit are more of an indwelling quality; they may be considered more personal, representing the presence of God in the individual through His Spirit.
This method of trying to discern between gifts and fruits may not always hold true. Some might consider such gifts as revelation, knowledge, and a testimony, which have been listed as gifts, as inward qualities, and rightly so. Faith is listed as both a gift and a fruit. It can be considered a gift in that it is something that is exercised outwardly, and it can be considered a fruit because it is also an inward quality. It might be difficult to try and categorize all gifts as only gifts, and all fruits as only fruits. But there are differences. One difference is that not every man has all the gifts of the Spirit, but all men CAN have all the fruits of the Spirit and experience the indwelling of God.
Another difference between the two might be, what is done in comparison to why something is done. We are talking about the motivation for an act in relation to the act itself; not what gift was performed or exhibited, but rather, why, or by what fruit, was the gift exercised. During His Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matt. 7:21-23.)
The Master said that even those who have the gift of prophesy, or the gift to “cast out devils” or do “many wonderful works” may not “enter into the kingdom of heaven.” He is saying that gifts alone may not get you into Father’s Kingdom. These words were prefaced by the Savior when He said: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:15-20.)
From these verses we learn that a true prophet can be distinguished from a false prophet by his fruits; Jesus did not say they could be distinguished because they possessed gifts. It appears that He was talking about the motivation for an act in relation to the act itself. By analyzing and comparing verses 15-20 with verses 21-23, we see that the Lord was making a distinction between fruits and gifts. We can know if a man is of God by his fruits, not by the gifts he displays.
Testing Spirits
The Lord has provided ways to test the Spirit of man. There are a few principles and guidelines the Lord has provided to help us discern between truth, which is in harmony with God’s purposes, and deception, which is out of alignment with God’s plan. However, we must realize the test is only as good as the tester. If the one doing the testing is not possessed of the proper spirit, if his motives are not righteous, or if his heart is not pure and right with God, his might lack discernment, leaving him open for deception.
One clue of a person’s true intentions is that a person with the Spirit of God will confess Christ. John the Revelator said, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:1-3.)
Moroni provided another test; he taught that the Spirit of God enticeth to do good. He said, “Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil....” He went on to say, “But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.” (Moro. 7:12-13, 16.)
The behavior and attitude of one possessing the Spirit of God will persuade others to: believe Christ (Moro. 7:16); keep the commandments (John 14:15); do good (Moro. 7:16; Ether 4:11); do justly, walk humbly, judge righteously (D&C 11:12); do all things in meekness of heart, walking uprightly before God, do all things with prayers of thanksgiving (D&C 46:7); exercise no compulsion (D&C 121:36-37), and hearken to God’s voice. (Moses 4:4.) The spirit of such a person will edify, bring understanding, and help foster spiritual growth. (D&C 50:23-34.)
The Lord has also given a pattern that we might not be deceived. He said, “And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—.” (D&C 52:14.) Then the Lord said: “Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me. Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens.” (D&C 52:15-19.)
When the Lord wants to emphasize something, He often repeats Himself. Now what is the pattern? Besides calling upon His name, being meek and using language that edifies, and having reverence and respect for God’s power and authority, there were three key factors of the pattern: (1) having a contrite spirit—which was mentioned twice (vv. 15-16); (2) obeying God’s ordinances—also mentioned twice (vv. 15-16); and (3) bringing forth fruits of praise and wisdom—again, mentioned twice (vv. 17-18). And then the Lord said, those that do not bring forth such fruit, according to the pattern, are not of Him. So fruits are to be brought forth according to a pattern the Lord has set down. It appears that contrition and obedience to ordinances are the key factors in the pattern, besides other things, such as prayer, meekness, humility, praise and wisdom. The Lord said that by this pattern we can know the spirits in every situation. Consequently, if we do not bring forth fruits with a contrite spirit and obedience to His laws, then we are not of God. And if we are not His, it should be obvious we will receive no fulness. At least that is the way it seems.
Closing Thoughts
Possessing one or more gifts of the spirit is no evidence of salvation in the Celestial Kingdom, nor our standing before the Lord. As evidenced from the Savior’s Sermon on the Mount, it is apparent that many can possess gifts but not be counted as one of His. As we discussed Matthew 7 we learned from Jesus that, even though some may prophesy and say “Lord, Lord,” they will not necessarily enter into the kingdom of heaven. We discussed proper motivation as the criteria for such an entrance; that criteria being based on the possession of fruits of the Spirit. For He said, “ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7.) He did not say, “ye shall know them by their gifts.” From the scriptures we readily see that possessing gifts is no criteria for righteousness, it is the possession of good fruit, or the fruit of the Spirit. However, the possessing of fruits of the Spirit is hinged upon a pattern set down by the Lord. (D&C 52.)
The Lord said gifts are given “... that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts. (D&C 46:9.) This consuming it upon our lust refers to pride, and we all should know the danger of that fruitless attribute. We must be cautious that we do not get bloated with self-righteousness, becoming as the proud Zoramites, standing upon our Rameumptom (Alma 31:8-22), and losing God’s favor in the process.
Gifts are just that—GIFTS! They cannot be earned, for they are freely given of God. Gifts are displayed outwardly and observed by the world. Therefore, we have no reason to brag, consuming it upon our lusts. Though we are commanded to seek the best gifts (D&C 46:8), we still cannot earn them. Gifts are free.
Fruits, on the other hand, are the results of our inner God-like qualities; the indwelling of His presence. They are based upon obedience, then granted by God due to righteousness. Gifts are the things we DO. Fruits are the things we ARE—those inner attributes by which God measures our righteousness. The grand mistake in life is believing that God will entirely judge us on what we do, that righteousness is based on doing the right things at the right time.
In the television series, Star Trek, some space ships possessed what was called “cloaking devices.” These cloaking devices rendered the space vehicles invisible to their enemies. At this time in our scientific progression, we have not developed such devices. Nevertheless, we achieve much the same effect by our daily actions. We try to hide what we are by what we do. However, it is not what we do that counts, it is what we ARE that the Lord is most concerned with.
When we seek the fruits of the Spirit, we are seeking that Spirit which produces the fruit. And, conversely, when we seek the Spirit, we are seeking the fruits of the Spirit as God will graciously bestow. Those righteously motivated will have: afflictions consecrated for their gain and good (2 Ne. 2:2; Rom. 8:28), ministering of angels to attend them (Moro. 7:35-37), a second witness in their hearts and minds (D&C 8:2), faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye focused on the glory of God above all else (D&C 4:5), no desire to seek for signs (D&C 46:9), the ability to chase darkness from himself (D&C 50:23-25), and much more.
It is important to realize that the presence of one or more fruits of the spirit is no evidence to God of our righteousness, for He already knows what fruits we possess. It is, however, evidence TO US of our obedience and purity of our motives.
How can we tell if we are in possession of the Spirit of God? We can know that we are blessed of the Spirit simply by feeling and knowing we possess one or more of the positive attributes or fruits of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul said that when we possess the fruits of the Spirit, that is how we can know we are acceptable to the Lord: “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” (Eph. 5:9-10.)
It is interesting to note that Paul did not say that those possessing gifts of the Spirit were acceptable unto the Lord, but those possessing the fruits of the Spirit. Only through the Spirit can we receive one of the gifts mentioned, and the fruits of that gift will bear witness that the gift is of God. It appears that we can prove if a particular gift of the Spirit is of God. If it is, it will be accompanied by one or more fruits of the Spirit. If not, then we can know that the gift is not of God. But when we are filled with the Spirit of God, we will also bring forth the fruits of praise unto our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
