But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22

Prior to this verse, Paul describes man in his selfishness: Fornication, immorality, excess of life, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, quarrels, jealousy, irascibleness, self-interest, splits, factions, envy and disfavour, drinking and eating and the like. Somewhere here we find ourselves, at least many of them were to be found in our old life.
When the old me finally dies, when we have buried him and have renounced his desires, lusts and selfishness, then the Holy Spirit of God can make order in our hearts and transform us into people similar to Jesus. This goes on slowly, step by step, every day a little further; – just like the fruits on the fruit tree grow and ripen slowly and are not just there overnight.
The Bible distinguishes between mature Christians and baby Christians, between spiritual and carnal Christians. If pride and ego reign in your heart, how shall the Holy Spirit work gentleness, kindness and humility? If there is self-righteousness, how is loyalty to Jesus to arise? The Holy Spirit wants the fruit to grow, but we must keep it “weed-free” and constantly weed the soil of our heart so that no bitter root grows.
Baby Christians are still immature, but they are growing and will reach their goal. The carnal Christians are determined by their old ego: I – mine – me. They cannot be used for spiritual things, and the fruit only grows very stunted. It is a pity that they are not alive.
Let us seek Jesus’ face and let ourselves be transformed into His image. We cannot do it alone, because the greatest effort does not help. But HE can do it, and HE wants to do it! How good and relaxing for me! Now I expose myself to the LORD, just as the flowers absorb the sun’s rays. He will do it! Thank You!

Thank You Jesus, You are reshaping me. I try it myself, but it always ends bad. Better to find refuge in You and let You work. Thank You for the mature Christians, from whom Your character radiates!