In recent years, the term microaggressions has become more common in conversations about race, culture, and social justice. A microaggression is often described as a small comment or action that may not seem harmful on the surface, but over time causes hurt, exclusion, or discouragement. Some people are deeply concerned about these moments, while others struggle to understand why they matter at all.
At the same time, Scripture gives us another framework for how we live and interact with others: the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22–23 tells us the fruit of the Spirit is
“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
These are not just personal traits. They shape how we speak, how we listen, and how we treat others—especially when we disagree.
This raises an important question: Could conversations about microaggressions and the fruit of the Spirit be looking at similar behaviors, but from different angles? And could this explain why some people are more sensitive to certain social issues—like poverty, injustice, or discrimination—while others are not?
What We Notice Often Reflects What Shapes Us
People tend to notice what they have experienced personally. Someone who has repeatedly felt ignored, stereotyped, or dismissed may be quicker to notice subtle behaviors that cause harm. For them, microaggressions are not “small things.” They are reminders of deeper wounds.
Others may not have had those experiences. They may honestly believe they treat everyone well and feel confused or even defensive when told their words caused harm. Their concern may be focused elsewhere—on personal responsibility, fairness, or unity—rather than on the emotional impact of everyday interactions.
Neither reaction automatically means someone lacks faith or compassion. But Scripture challenges all of us to grow in awareness.
Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
That includes paying attention to how our words land, not just how we intend them.
The Fruit of the Spirit as a Heart Check
This is where the fruit of the Spirit becomes especially helpful. The fruit is not about being politically correct or winning arguments. It is about allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our character.
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Love asks, How does this affect my neighbor?
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Kindness considers whether our words heal or harm.
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Gentleness slows us down before we dismiss someone’s pain.
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Self-control keeps us from reacting defensively when challenged.
In this way, the fruit of the Spirit can serve as a heart check. Even if we do not fully agree on every social term or framework, we can still ask:
Am I speaking in a way that reflects Christ? Am I willing to listen?
Ellen G. White wrote, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good” (Ministry of Healing, p. 143). Mingling requires attentiveness. It requires humility. It requires care in how we relate to others.
Why Some Issues Feel More Urgent Than Others
This also helps explain why people feel differently about issues like poverty, racial injustice, or social inequality. For some, these issues are personal and immediate. For others, they feel distant or abstract.
Jesus consistently drew attention to those on the margins—the poor, the sick, the overlooked. Not because others did not matter, but because love naturally moves toward those who are hurting. When the Spirit shapes our hearts, our concern expands beyond ourselves.
Micah 6:8 reminds us that God calls us
“to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Justice, mercy, and humility all require us to notice things we might otherwise ignore.
Moving Forward Together
The goal is not to label one group as “right” and another as “wrong.” The goal is growth. As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ in a broken world. That means listening more, speaking with care, and being willing to learn—even when it feels uncomfortable.
Whether we use the language of microaggressions or not, the fruit of the Spirit calls us to something deeper: a way of life that builds others up rather than tearing them down.
When our hearts are shaped by the Spirit, we begin to notice what Jesus notices. And that may be the first step toward understanding one another—and serving our world—with greater grace.
By Hugh Davis (with AI-assisted research and drafting)
