"FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" IN ECUMENISM

PART OF SERIES "ECUMENISM: ADDRESSING ISSUES TOWARDS POSITIVE DIALOGUE"

Author: Flores, Ken Klark L.

Photo: DrEricZ.com

Introduction

In my comment in JUST MK(Brother Brian)'s Facebook post on November 15, 2025, which contains the conversation between a protestant and a priest on ecclesiology(particular to foundation of their church) and difference of teachings and understandings from protestants, I received a replied comment at 8:17 PM, which states,

"love ang essense sa bible hindi paramihan ng alam. Do we hv the fruits of the spirit? Love patience humility etc" 

(Translation: Love is the essense in the bible, not increasing your knowledge. Do we have the fruits of the [holy] spirit? Love, patience, humility, and etc?)

Behind the Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Fruits of the Holy Spirit are intrinsically linked to ecumenism. While they are aspects of individual devotional life, they also serve a crucial, shared function in promoting Christian unity across different denominations. The fruits of the Spirit—such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—are seen as essential qualities that grow in participants during ecumenical dialogues and interactions, helping to overcome differences and foster mutual respect and understanding (Ecumenism in Families of Parishes - EGW, 2022).

Practicing the fruits of the Spirit is understood within the Christian faith to help believers eliminate strong, offensive language, including slurs. The development of these qualities directly impacts and transforms one's speech patterns and the way one interacts with others (Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit, n.d.). Biblical teachings emphasize that speech is a reflection of what is in one's heart, and followers are encouraged to let no "corrupt communication" come from their mouths, but only "such speech as is good for building up others". Therefore, as the fruits of the Spirit are cultivated, the internal transformation naturally leads to an external change in communication, moving away from destructive language like slurs and towards language that ministers grace and respect to all people. 

Love is greater than Knowledge

love (charity) is considered greater than knowledge, but knowledge is an essential component of authentic love for God and others. The two are not mutually exclusive but rather form an integrated dynamic, as one cannot truly love what one does not know (Gohn, 2023; Why We Believe: Knowledge through Love, 2020)

Drawing from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1). This means that knowledge, if pursued without love, can lead to pride and the condemnation of others. St. Paul also emphasizes that among faith, hope, and love, "the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love endures forever, while knowledge and prophecy will pass away.

Challenges

Sadly, many discussions, the focus on winning the argument can indeed overshadow the call for spiritual fruits, leading to confrontational and unhealthy exchanges, including they employ the strong language, like derogatory words. When these virtues are absent, discussions can become counterproductive. The emphasis on cultivating these spiritual fruits highlights the belief that a participant's manner of engagement, motivated by virtues such as humility, patience, and love, is just as important as the content of their argument.

Reference

Gohn, P. (2023, April 26). CATECHIST Magazine. CATECHIST Magazine. https://www.catechist.com/love-builds-knowledge-beloved/

Why we believe: Knowledge through love. (2020). Catholicculture.org. https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/why-we-believe-knowledge-through-love/

What’s More Important—Knowledge or Love? - Discipleship.org. (2014, September 29).  Discipleship.org. https://discipleship.org/theology/whats-more-important-knowledge-or-love/(Article taken from ChurchLeaders.com)

Ecumenism in Families of Parishes - EGW. (2022). Spark. https://spark.familiesofparishes.org/ecumenism-in-families-of-parishes

Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit. (n.d.). Love Worth Finding Ministries. https://www.lwf.org/fruit-of-the-spirit

Social Media Reference

JUST MK (November 15, 2025 at 10:43 AM) https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1475076437631644&set=a.212962520509715

See also

PREJORATIVE TERM AND SLURS IN THE RELIGIOUS CONTEXT (November 17, 2025): https://thefilipinoapologia2025.blogspot.com/2025/11/prejorative-term-and-slurs-in-religious.html