Choosing to follow the Holy Spirit leads to a life that pleases God, unlike following sinful desires (5:16; 5:19–21). Human effort and laws cannot achieve this (compare John 15:1–8).
This list of virtues addresses issues in the Galatian church.
Love is the greatest Christian virtue and includes all others (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Only God's Spirit can help us love those who hate us (see Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 6:35–36).
Joy from the Holy Spirit does not depend on circumstances (see Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 8:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:6).
Peace with God brings inner well-being (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:15; Philippians 4:6–7; Colossians 1:20). It helps us become peacemakers with others (see Matthew 5:9; Romans 8:6; 12:18; 14:17–19; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 4:3; 6:15).
Patience (or tolerance or long-suffering) helps us endure difficult situations and be patient with others (Ephesians 4:2; 2 Timothy 4:2; James 5:10–11). God is patient with us (Exodus 34:6; Psalms 103:8; Romans 2:4; 9:22; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Peter 3:15). God promises to be with those who are patient with others (Isaiah 57:15).
Kindness means being generous and helping others, showing the same spirit of giving that God shows to us (Romans 2:4; 11:22; Titus 3:4–6).
Goodness: Compare Romans 15:14; Ephesians 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11.
Faithfulness (or faith) means being reliable and trustworthy in our relationships, just as God is with us (1 Corinthians 1:9; 10:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:3).