Explaining why people of other religions appear good & as if possessing the Fruit of the Spirit?
Q: A friend asked me a question and I'm struggling with how to answer. I'd like to help them understand as they're struggling with some aspects of faith and am hoping for help with something I simply don't know how to articulate. If we are told to judge the fruits of the spirit to determine true change has happened to someone and they are actively following Him, then how do we rationalize people of other beliefs and faiths who exhibit the same fruits of the spirit without being His followers or marked by The Holy Spirit? The friend's main example was the Buddhist followers, who tend to exhibit many of the listed fruits of the spirit, arguably better than many Christians, but usually see Jesus as just one of many teachers in history and have no relationship with Him as their Savior. If theoretically anyone can have the fruits of the spirit without it actually being the work of the Spirit, then how is that a good way to judge believers on their walk being genuine? I...