The fruit of the Spirit grows out of an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Fruit is produced in us not by us. But we have a part to play by submitting ourselves to God and inviting Him to nurture His character in us.
Our character looks more like God’s character when we allow Him to change us. We cannot muster up more joy or patience on our own, and we do not need to. We receive them as gifts that grow in us when we give God control and allow Him to make us more of what He intends us to be.