Knowing the Fruit of the Spirit and Speaking Against Evil ✝️
Sometimes it feels confusing to know when we are acting in love and when we are staying silent out of fear. The Bible tells us we can know what is from God by the fruit it produces.
Galatians 5:22 to 23 says..
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self control.”
When something comes from the Holy Spirit it will line up with these things. Speaking the truth does not mean being harsh or cruel. If love and gentleness are missing it is worth pausing and asking God to search your heart. But love does not mean pretending evil is not there.
Ephesians 5:11 says..
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them.”
Calling out evil especially in the church can feel scary. Many people stay quiet because they do not want to be rejected or misunderstood. God understands that fear. Courage does not mean you are not afraid. Courage means you choose obedience even when your hands are shaking.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us..
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power love and a sound mind.”
From a mental health perspective it helps to ground yourself before speaking. Take a slow breath and remind your body that you are safe in this moment. Fear often lives in the body before it reaches our thoughts. Naming what you feel can help. You might say to yourself I feel scared but I am still allowed to speak truth.
It is also healthy to check your motive. Ask yourself.. Am I speaking to protect others or to punish someone? Am I led by love or by spite? God can handle honest prayers about this.
Psalm 139:23 to 24 says..
“Search me God and know my heart test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Another helpful therapy tip is to remember boundaries. Speaking against evil does not mean carrying the outcome alone. You can tell the truth and still step back. You are not responsible for how others respond. You are responsible for being faithful.
Jesus Himself spoke boldly against religious hypocrisy yet remained full of compassion. He never ignored evil but He never stopped loving people either.
John 7:24 says..
“Stop judging by mere appearances but instead judge correctly.”
Today, ask God to help you recognize the fruit of the Spirit in your own life. Ask Him for bravery that is rooted in love not fear. If He is asking you to speak trust that He will also give you the strength to do it gently and wisely.
You are not alone. God goes before you and stands with you when you choose truth.
