The Greek word translated "fruit" refers to the natural product of a living thing. Paul used "fruit" to help us understand the product of the Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer. The fruit of the Spirit is produced by the Spirit, not by the Christian. The Greek word is singular, showing that "fruit" is a unified whole, not independent characteristics. As we grow, all the characteristics of Christ will be manifested in our lives.

Yet, like physical fruit needs time to grow, the fruit of the Spirit will not ripen in our lives overnight. Like a successful gardener must battle against weeds to enjoy the sweet fruit they desire, we must constantly work to rid our lives of the "weeds" of our old sin natures that want to choke out the work of the Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit gives us the power we need to reject those old sinful desires. We can say "no" to sin and accept the way out God faithfully provides (1 Corinthians 10:13) by following the Holy Spirit’s leading.  

As we give the Spirit more control of our lives, He begins to do in and through us what only He can do to shape us and grow us to look like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).