Ever heard someone talk mostly about the need for God’s power as the solution for the church’s perceived weakness. Then others who talk about character and fruit as the solution. There are recognizable factions that argue their case from scripture, yet it seems to me that both sides should be embraced and work together in tandem to reach people.
Whereas fruit is developed over time through continued abiding in Christ, gifts on the other hand, are given or imparted at a particular time for miraculous service. That is why a ‘gifted’ believer who has simply received a gift may yet have to grow in Christ likeness, that is, develop fruit. They may act up carnally at times yet still operate in the gifts.
This may be confusing to some, but not to God who gives gifts as He wills, not on the basis of maturity but on openness and desire. He continually works with all His children to bring them to spiritual maturity. Let Him be the judge, but more so the helper and the one who brings people into alignment with their true identity in Christ.
Furthermore, fruit speaks of who we are created to be, whereas the gifts speak more to what we are to do in breaking spiritual yokes with God’s power or anointing.