🎥 Video 7C Transcript: How to Use a Fruit of the Spirit Gratitude Inventory

Hi, I am Haley, a Christian Leaders Institute presenter.

In this lesson, you will learn a simple practice called a Fruit of the Spirit Gratitude Inventory.

This is not a test to shame you.

It is not a spiritual scoreboard.

It is a prayerful way to notice where the Holy Spirit is growing fruit in your life.

Start with Galatians 5:22–23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Now move slowly through the nine fruits.

Ask one question for each.

Love: Where did God help me care about someone beyond myself?

Joy: Where did I notice goodness, even in a small way?

Peace: Where did I resist panic, bitterness, or control?

Patience: Where did I wait, listen, or slow down?

Kindness: Where did my words or actions bring care?

Goodness: Where did I choose what was right before God?

Faithfulness: Where did I keep showing up?

Gentleness: Where did I respond with softness instead of harshness?

Self-control: Where did I say no to something that would harm me or others?

You may not have an answer for every fruit.

That is okay.

Choose one fruit where you can notice grace.

Then pray:

“Lord, thank you for growing this in me.”

Next, choose one fruit where you need growth.

Pray:

“Holy Spirit, form this fruit in me.”

Then take one small step.

If you need patience, pause before answering.
If you need kindness, send a thoughtful message.
If you need self-control, remove one temptation.
If you need peace, pray before reacting.
If you need faithfulness, complete one responsibility.

The Bible encourages this practice, and Ministry Sciences observes a similar pattern in human formation. Reflection helps people notice patterns. Noticing patterns helps people choose faithful practices. Repeated faithful practices shape the soul over time.

This inventory helps Christian gratitude become specific.

Not just, “Thank you, God, for everything.”

But, “Thank you, God, for helping me speak gently today.”

“Thank you for helping me keep showing up.”

“Thank you for helping me pause before anger ruled me.”

That is Gratitude Attitude in action.

So this week, do not rush.

Pick one fruit to thank God for.

Pick one fruit to ask God to grow.

Then take one faithful step.

The fruitful life grows one Spirit-shaped response at a time.