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The Fruit of Love

 

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” 

Have you ever considered that the order in which Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit implies that the first fruit is love and that all of the other qualities associated flow from the presence of His love in you?

Joy is delighting in God’s love and the wonders of His creation. Peace is resting on His promises and trusting they will be fulfilled because you know your Beloved wouldn’t let you down. Longsuffering is waiting for the Lord because you trust that in His love, He always gives you His best. Gentleness is reacting lovingly to those around you. Goodness is choosing to do what is right out of the love for God. Faithfulness is remaining true to the Lord out of gratefulness for the Love He has shown to you. Meekness is lovingly empathizing with people in need or pain. And temperance is actively resisting temptation out of love for Him.

As you open yourself to the fullness of God’s love, these character qualities are going to flow from your life. So receive the Savior’s love with a sincere, open, and humble heart.