The fruit of righteousness is evident in a person because of who they have become in Christ. You are dead to sin and alive to God, you have died that your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Romans 6:11 & Colossians 3:3)
The grace of God is the power of God imparted by the Holy Spirit to Christians, a divine influence on the heart and empowers us and enables us to do what we are not able to do without Jesus. Thankfulness arises when we receive the gift of righteousness. The fruit that comes in a Christian's life (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control) is not a process of straining to bear fruit, as an apple tree does not strain to bear apples. However, the fruit of righteousness may be cultivated by meditating on the Word of God, speaking the Word, praying in the spirit and worship in relationship that has been established between you and God in Christ. (Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord II Peter 3:18)
A Christian who keeps an attitude of humility and isn't lifted up with pride when the grace (power) of God operates in them, is in a position to stay strong in Christ, since this person understands that it is not our self righteousness, but His righteousness that is at work in our bodies. The responsibility that comes from knowing this is caused by falling deeply in love with Him and wanting to please Him willingly, because you want to. That's why Jesus said "If you love me, you'll obey my commandments" (John 14:15). When you understand that He is passionately pursuing a relationship with you because you are His betrothed, His beloved, you will fall deeply in love with Him.
Sin becomes alive in you only when you are deceived into not believing what God says about you and your fellow Christians and are not thankful for what He has done. We must cultivate the grace of God in us, His power that is already there. (Ephesians 1:19-20 ; 3:7-8 Titus 2:11-12)
