Galations 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
1 Corinthians 13:4: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Several years ago, I heard a young couple trying to teach their young daughter to memorize the above verse, when she proudly recited, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not burst.” They of course chuckled, because while they knew she meant to say boast, there was certainly some truth in saying love does not burst as well!
Once we ask Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. The apostle Paul gives some great advice for loving and living in the Spirit in Galatians chapter 5. He tells us we are called to serve one another humbly; to love others like we love ourselves. He goes on to list the fruit that comes from living in step with God, one of which is love.
Love is a loaded word. If you asked ten people to describe it, you’d most likely get ten different answers. The good news is we don’t have to guess what true, Godly love is. It’s spelled out for us in the Word. Love is patient and kind. It doesn’t ‘burst’ as this little girl recited, because it’s controlled and gentle. It isn’t rude, self-seeking, or easily angered. It doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth because it’s full of goodness, faithfulness, and joy. Do you see the connection between these two pieces of scripture? They weave together quite beautifully and leave us with a clear picture of what love and living in the Spirit really looks like.
reflect:
• Which fruits do you think you and those in your family bear easily and often?
• Which fruits do you think you should ask God to help you bear more of?
prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for Your Word that describes so clearly what love is and for Your Son Jesus who humbly modeled it on earth for us. Help my family and I to produce the Fruit of Your Spirit and love each other in a way that pleases You. May we always have a love that protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Amen.
journal:
Take the time to write down anything you sense the Spirit speaking to you today as you pray and worship.
worship:
Listen to and let the words of this song become your prayer today.
"Love God Love People" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-29WLQ3trA