“Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

The Fruits of the Spirit are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. What do they mean and what does the Bible say about them? In this series, we will discuss each biblical principle and consider the framework they provide to our own spiritual journey.

The Apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Love is singled out – representing the perfect and enduring heart of God for His creation. While all the fruits are imperative to our walk with Jesus, everything is rooted in love. God loved us so much, He sent His son to earth to be the spotless lamb, taking our place on the cross, and extending to us eternal life. What an amazing God we serve!

We are called by God to share the love of our Father with one another—our families, friends, and neighbors, and in service to others. Even in times of disagreement or difficult circumstances, we have opportunities to exhibit His love. While we cannot control other people or their responses, we can attempt to make peace, pray, and show the merciful love of God. “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

GUIDING POINTS:

Call to Action: What are ways we can show the love of Christ in our communities? Read these scriptures out loud and be intentional in showing love for one another this week!

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good” (Romans 12:9-10).

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike” (Matthew 5:44-45).

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for loving us so well and for giving us the opportunity to love others as You have loved us. We ask You to work through us as we face difficult circumstances in the world around us. Give us the right words that will penetrate through the hearts of people who need love and need to hear Your Good News. Help us to lift You up in all we do and say, Lord. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thoughts: The perfect love of Jesus is everlasting. It surpasses all we could ask and hope for. He is our wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace – Our Savior! His love endures forever. We can rest in knowing He is always, ALWAYS for us!