Galatians 5 contains a list of the fruits of the Spirit–love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. The text contrasts works of the flesh with fruits of the Spirit. Some, because of this contrast (unconsciously and unintentionally) treat the “fruits” of the Spirit more as “works” of the Spirit. But the fruits are the result of the healthy presence of the Spirit in our lives; the list is not to be used as a behavior modification list, works to be achieved. The description is of how a Christian naturally behaves; Paul’s purpose is not to describe how a Christian should act.
The distinction may seem minor, but this “shouldistic” (legalistic) attitude toward life in the Spirit changes how we approach the Christian life. Jesus took exception to this attitude in the Pharisees. Failure to see the damaging results of this attitude continues to have a negative impact on the Church. The fruit of the Spirit comes naturally, as a result of continual surrender to the Father’s will and care in all of life.