The fruit of the Spirit

There are nine characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit. They are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Let us look at the first characteristic of this fruit, which is love.

The definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

• Love is patient
• Love is kind
• Love is not envious
• Love is not boastful
• Love is not proud
• Love does not dishonor others
• Love is not self-seeking
• Love is not easily angered
• Love keeps no record of wrongs
• Love does not delight in evil
• Love rejoices with the truth
• Love always protects
• Love always trusts
• Love always hopes
• Love always perseveres

God is love

1 John 4:8 also reminds us that God is love. That means God is all the traits mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Therefore, with the help of God’s Holy Spirit, we can be transformed into loving individuals who are able to cover a multitude of sins with love (1 Peter 4:8). Furthermore, did you notice the definition of love covers the other qualities of the fruit of the Spirit?

By denying ourselves of our sinful (self-fish) desires, picking up our cross, and following Christ (Mark 8:34), we can master the first characteristic of the Spirit’s fruit, love. This will require obedience to God's word, not obedience to our own will. You will have to pray consistently, fast, attend church, read your Bible, among other things, in order to conform into the image of Christ.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to understand the true meaning of love. Then help me to walk in love. Father, teach me how to live as Christ, denying myself of “me, mine, I, my” and surrendering my entire life to you. Forgive me for not obeying you, for not walking in love. I bind up every spirit that is contrary to love. Spirits like anger, impatience, envy, boastfulness, pride, dishonor, revenge, lying, suspicion, discouragement, and giving up, I bind you by the Blood of Jesus. Amen.