"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).
“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!
Focus on the Fruits! LOVE
Focus on the Fruits! KINDNESS
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Responding to the Call: Embracing Jesus as Our King
“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:17-19).
Choosing a Soft Heart: Rekindling Your Hearts Compassion
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).
Focus on the Fruits! PATIENCE
“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
God’s Shining Face: The Profound Impact on Our Lives
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24- 26).
Focus on the Fruits! PEACE
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: A Journey Towards Divine Purpose
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Focus on the Fruits! JOY
“God will let you laugh again; you’ll raise the roof with shouts of joy” (Job 8:20).
Taking Up the Mantle: Your Role in Expanding God’s Kingdom
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).