To dig deep into the understanding of the Scripture text, we must first make an observation. It does not say fruits as in plural. It says fruit such as blossom, production, development, and evidence. In other words, what is mentioned can be compared to the sections within a grapefruit. When you eat grapefruit for breakfast, you choose one section at a time. In that same way and depending on the circumstances or person at the moment, the Holy Spirit might provoke you to display a certain influence from him such as love or joy.
That means under the influence or infilling of the Holy Spirit, he will present to the world that which the Holy Spirit inspires him. This comes as a result of the infilling of the Spirit as well as the submission to the Holy Spirit. Take note that it is possible to be a Christian and yet not be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. In fact, Scripture admonishes us to be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4: 30)
The person that knows Christ as Savior but is not submitted to the Holy Spirit only lives a minimum of what God offers. He presents to us an opportunity to be used for and by him. God also wants to elevate our day-by-day living with the influence of his Spirit. To be well-rounded as a Christian means to take advantage of all the benefits that God has prepared for us spiritually. This text is only a part of those benefits with others that we could mention such as being a witness to those in need or those who have not accepted Christ.
If we are going to be a good example of God’s good pleasure, we must have joy that is attractive for the life we live. As we serve God, while other people are watching our lives, they will look to see if we are the kind of person who is gentle, and faithful. The qualification for this kind of elevated spiritual life is that we have crucified the flesh while turning away from what our carnal spirit naturally desires. To be well-rounded means we do not have hatred, jealousy, or do not generate strife. We cannot just declare ourselves a representative of God. We must live before the world as one that has been influenced by God.
At any given moment the Holy Spirit may want to generate as our witness a certain attribute that is God inspired. It would be a more satisfying Christian walk to do so in the Holy Spirit. The believer will also have a more gratifying day if he has love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control within himself as he displays these characteristics to others.
Christian Writer 