But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:22-23

The passage above is often referred to as “The Fruits of the Spirit.” Is this the foundation of a “Christian personality?” Or do Christians maintain their personality even after regeneration and sanctification?

The New Testament uses several Greek terms to discuss psychological constructs: kardia (the heart: the seat of emotions); nous (the mind; the will); suneidesis (the conscience); and the psyche (the soul).

Nowhere does the Bible suggest that the new birth results in a new kardia, nous, suneidesis, or psyche. Rather, the kardia is purified (Acts 15:9 and James 4:8); the nous is renewed (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:18); the suneidesis becomes good (1 Peter 3:16, 21) and the psyche is saved (Hebrews 10:39, James 1:21, and 1 Peter 1:9).

• Does this seem to indicate that even in newness of life, we have the same unique personality?
• Please share it from a personal perspective or share from pertinent observations you have from the life experience of others.
  • You may also select a Biblical character to illustrate your point.
• Please be sure to maintain anonymity if you use another person as an example (do not use full names or other personally identifying information).