Great entry Ben L. I wanted to add one thing from the Greek
ὁ δὲ
καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν
the fruit of the Spirit is...
καρπὸς = singular, fruit
καρποὶ = plural, fruits
In this verse fruit is singular. God's indwelling transforms us into
one beautiful juicy piece of fruit
. The one fruit looks like love, peace, goodness, etc. But the point is that transformation is a wholistic act of God in the heart.
It is the relationship with God that changes us. Like you said, focus on the reality, focus on the relationship