Fruit versus Gift

Some years ago I came across a message that provided a good illustration between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit is like an apple tree - the apple (fruit) is related to the tree. Only apples can come from apple trees and not other kinds of fruit. Similarly, we who have the Holy Spirit will bear His fruit in us - that of Christlikeness if we abide in Him.
Also the fruit of the apple tree will only come when the tree is matured enough to produce apples. Similarly, the fruit of the Spirit is a sign of our maturity. The more we grow in Christ, the more of His fruit we will see in our lives.

The gifts of the Spirit, on the other hand, is like a Christmas tree ( a pine tree) where we hang our Christmas gifts and decorations on. The gifts bear no resemblance to the tree. Similarly, the gifts of the Spirit are not marks of a Christian's maturity. They do not convey spiritual growth nor personal holiness. They are gifts given by the Spirit for the good of all regardless of the spiritual life of the recipient. All the Spirit requires for the receiver of His gifts is their availability to be His channels.

Hence let us walk in trust and obedience to the Holy Spirit daily, bearing His fruit and sharing His gifts.