Christ is risen! Glory be to God for His mighty work. Amen.
As we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also embrace the hope of renewal through His Spirit of grace and truth. This message reflects on the covenant of grace and the work of the Holy Spirit in shaping godly character through spiritual fruits.
1. THE COVENANT OF GRACE
God reveals His covenant of grace, saying:
“I will put my Spirit within you… and you shall be my people, and I will be your God… I will write my law in their hearts… and all shall know me” (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26–27; Hebrews 8:10). God also promised to pour out a “Spirit of grace” leading His people to repentance (Zechariah 12:10).
This new covenant shows God’s desire for an inward transformation – where His Spirit leads and His law is written on the heart. We come under this covenant through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
His sacrifice replaces the old system of animal sacrifices. By it the blood of Jesus cleanses us and make us holy by the ‘Spirit of grace’ through faith (John 1:17; Ephesians 2:8–9).
2. JESUS: SPIRIT OF GRACE AND TRUTH
This Spirit of “grace and truth” came through Jesus Christ under the new covenant, not through the Law of Moses (John 1:17). Jesus taught that those who believe in Him will receive the Holy Spirit, who flows within them like rivers of living water—bringing life and renewal.
This gift was given after His resurrection, when He was glorified, and the Father sent the Spirit to dwell with believers forever (John 7:38–39; 14:16; 16:7). The Holy Spirit is also known as: ‘The Holy Ghost’ – dwells within believers, giving new life and sanctifying them; ‘The Spirit of Truth’ – guiding believers into righteousness and God’s Word; and ‘The Comforter’ – strengthening and sustaining believers through trials.
2.1. RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is received when one believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. At that moment, a person is born again, renewed, and sealed by the Spirit (John 1:12–13; 3:3–6; Romans 10:9–10; Ephesians 1:13).
God places His Spirit within us so we may know Him, walk in His ways, and worship Him in Spirit and truth. The Spirit produces spiritual fruit and teaches us to rely not on human strength, but on God’s power (John 4:23–24; Romans 8:14; Zechariah 4:6).
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”. Through Christ, we are freed from sin, and the Spirit gives us life and strength to live in righteousness (2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:2; John 8:32).
3. GRACE LIFE AND SPIRITUAL FRUITS
Living by the Spirit of grace is not by human strength, but through faith in God. Believers are called to walk in the Spirit, growing spiritually and bearing the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Note that the spiritual fruits are not subject to law: they are not based on rights, entitlement or obligations, but operate by grace and truth. (Romans 6:14)
4. SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND FRUITFULNESS
Spiritual fruits, though inward and personal, are not driven by emotion or the flesh. They are spiritual in nature, often opposing human desires, and are expressed selflessly as a reflection of God’s character.
A life of grace focuses not just on the fruits, but on spiritual growth – only what grows can bear fruit. These fruits are the evidence of a Spirit-led life, reflecting Christ-like character in thoughts, actions, and relationships. True growth requires continual self-reflection and a deliberate choice to live according to God’s will (John 15:2–4).
Let us now examine how we may nurture the spiritual fruits.
4.1. BEARING SPIRITUAL FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Brethren, a grace-filled life produces spirit-bearing fruits unto righteousness. The fruit we bear depends on the condition of our hearts and what we sow -whether one sows to the flesh or to the spirit (Galatians 6:8; Matthew 7:16 -20). Our lives reveal the nature of what is within us.
a) The Loving Spirit
Scripture describes love as patient, kind, humble, and selfless, free from envy, pride, and anger. It does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth and endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4 -7).
True love is revealed in how we respond during trials such as opposition, rejection, or hardship.
To continue in goodness despite challenges is evidence of spiritual growth.
Love is the most difficult fruit to cultivate, yet it is the greatest. It embodies all other spiritual fruits and covers a multitude of sins. Therefore, above all virtues, we are called to “put on love,” which binds everything together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 4:8; Romans 12:9-10).
b) The Joyful Spirit
The Spirit of Joy is not a fleeting emotion, but a deep, lasting state rooted in God’s character and saving grace. Scripture says, “The joy of the LORD is your strength” and “With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation” (Nehemiah 8:10; Isaiah 12:3).
This divine joy flows from knowing God, trusting His faithfulness, and belonging to Him. His salvation produces joy that sustains and strengthens us.
To cultivate this joy is to recognize that true strength comes from God, not circumstances. Even in discouragement and hardship, the Spirit of Joy brings inner strength, endurance, and hope.
c) The Peaceful Spirit
Brethren, a peaceful spirit comes from Jesus Christ. He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). His peace is deep and lasting, unlike the temporary peace of the world – so we need not be anxious. It guards our hearts and minds, keeping us secure even in difficult times (Philippians 4:7).
To nurture this peace, trust God in every situation and keep your mind fixed on Him. Rest in the assurance that, through faith, we have peace with God in Christ, who has overcome the world (Isaiah 26:3; Romans 5:1; John 16:33). As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone, seek peace, speak truth, and choose restraint over retaliation (Romans 12:18; 1 Peter 3:11; James 3:18; Proverbs 3:17).
d) The Spirit of Patience
Life presents challenges that test our patience with God and others. The Spirit of Patience strengthens our character and deepens our faith. A patient spirit trusts God in difficult moments, remaining calm even when others prosper through wrongdoing, confident that He will act in His time (Psalm 37:7; Romans 8:25).
In trials, patience calls for endurance, knowing that hardships produce spiritual growth; in relationships, it means bearing with one another in love (Romans 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:4; Ephesians 4:2).
To grow in patience, we must face delays with a calm, trusting heart, rely on God’s timing, and persevere without losing hope. Scripture teaches that patience reflects wisdom, while a quick temper leads to folly (James 1:2–4; Proverbs 14:29).
e) The Gentle Spirit
A gentle spirit is a calm and composed disposition, much like our internal organs – powerful yet unseen, speaking only when heeded. This reflects the inherent nature of the Holy Spirit.
By embodying the gentle nature of the Holy Spirit, we reflect His character in our lives – with calmness, humility, and tenderness. He does not coerce or control harshly but teaches, guides, and transforms with patience and kindness.
Gentleness in us shows as humility, compassion, and consideration toward others. It responds with love rather than anger, avoids quarrels, and demonstrates strength through self-control. As Scripture says: “A gentle answer turns away wrath…” (Proverbs 15:1; 2 Timothy 2:24).
f) The Spirit of Goodness
The Spirit of Goodness reflects a heart and life shaped by God’s kindness, righteousness, and generosity. Scripture reminds us: “No one is good except God alone. Every good and perfect gift comes from [Him]” (Mark 10:18; James 1:17; Psalm 103:1-5; 104:1-2).
Cultivating goodness is more than being “nice.” It involves actively choosing to do good, help others, and live in a way that honours God. We should show kindness even to those who are ungrateful or unappreciative as God who shows goodness to both the righteous and unrighteous. Always seek to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
g) The Faithful Spirit
Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Faith grows as it is exercised: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). God’s works, especially Christ’s resurrection, strengthen our hope and trust in Him (1 Peter 1:21; John 11:42).
Faith is strengthened in trials, affliction, and persecution when we trust God. Jesus taught that unwavering faith can “move mountains” and accomplish the impossible (Matthew 17:20; Mark 11:23).
True faith believes the unseen and trusts God’s purposes before they are revealed. It rests in the assurance that God works all things for good, inspiring hope and perseverance (Hebrews 11:1–3; Romans 8:28). Faith weakens when we rely on human understanding instead of God.
h) The Meek Spirit
A meek spirit is a gentle, humble heart that trusts God rather than reacting with pride or anger. It is not weakness, but strength under control, marked by patience and self-restraint.
Jesus showed this perfectly by humbling Himself, even to death on the cross. Believers cultivate meekness by having a contrite heart, depending on God, and treating others with gentleness and respect. (Philippians 2:5-7). True humility recognizes God’s greatness and trusts Him to lift us up in His time (1 Peter 5:6; Proverbs 15:33).
i) The Spirit of Temperance
Temperance, or self-control, is the ability, through the Holy Spirit, to restrain desires, emotions, and actions. It is choosing discipline over impulse and doing what is right rather than what feels easy.
Living in temperance involves controlling anger, resisting temptation, and living a balanced, godly life. It reflects inner strength, helping a person remain steady, obedient, and focused on God in all circumstances.
CONCLUSION
Brethren, walking in God’s grace is a lifelong journey of spiritual growth. As the Holy Spirit shapes our hearts, we bear fruit, bring hope to others, and glorify God through lives of love, joy, patience, and righteousness. In every weakness and trial, His grace is sufficient, sustaining us and drawing us closer to His purposes.
PRAYER
Almighty Father, we thank You for Your Word and for the new Covenant of Grace
We give You the glory and strength due to Your name, for endowing us with the ‘Spirit of Grace’. Your mighty arm has triumphed over evil, sin, and death.
Glory be to the Son of God, the risen Christ, our Redeemer.
Gracious Holy Spirit, power of God, convict us of sin and lead us into Your Truth. Teach, guide, and direct us in our walk with our Father. Help us to live and walk in the Spirit and to bear spiritual fruits unto righteousness.
I make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A blessed Easter holiday to your families and loved ones.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 5 April 2026
Messages @: https://childrenofgrace.faith
