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Throughout the next few word of the weeks, we will be meditating on the Fruits of the Spirit. As we know Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 lists the nine fruits of the Spirit.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

This week we will be focusing on the foundational fruit which is Love.

Love is the very essence of who God is, it is the cornerstone upon which the other fruits are built. Embodying the love of God is the key to living out the Christian faith.

So what is love? In the context of the Fruit of the Spirit, it’s not an emotion or a feeling – it’s more off a sacrificial choice to love others just as Christ has chosen to love us. The Greek word for love is ‘agape’ which defines selfless and unconditional love that seeks the good of others above all else.

In John 13:34-35 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.�

Jesus’ love was not just a feeling. This was demonstrated through his actions: healing the sick, comforting the hurting but most significant Jesus laying down his life for us on the cross.

Where does Love come from? Love originates from God. As believers we cannot manufacture this love on our own. It is a fruit of the Spirit, which means it is a work of God in us. When we abide in Christ, his love flows through us and transforms how we relate to others.

The characteristics of God’s love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Paul describes love in its purest form – Patient, Kind, not envious or proud, not easily angered, rejoices in truth, protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.

Patient – God is patient with us and we are called to be patient with others.

Kind – Love is always generous and seeks the best for others. It doesn’t seek revenge or harm.

Not envious or proud – Love doesn’t operate from a place of comparison. It is humble and seeks to lift others up rather than tear them down.

Not easily angered – God’s love is slow to anger and abounding in mercy.

Rejoices in truth – Love is rooted in what is right and true. It does not celebrate sin or injustice but stands firmly in righteousness.

Protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres – God’s love is constant and unconditional.

Living out the fruit of love involves showing sacrificial love to others, even when it's difficult. Jesus teaches us to love everyone, including our enemies (Matthew 5:44). True love requires action, just as Jesus demonstrated through His sacrifice on the cross. Forgiveness is also rooted in love, as Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to forgive others just as God forgave us.

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in cultivating love within us. As we yield to the Spirit, God’s love grows in our hearts (Romans 5:5). This transformation is gradual but powerful.

Loving others, especially those who hurt us, challenges our pride and selfishness. However, we can love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). The Holy Spirit empowers us to love beyond our natural ability, even in difficult circumstances.

Love is the foundation of all the other fruits of the Spirit. Without love, qualities like joy, peace, and kindness become empty. As we grow in love, we become more like Christ and reflect His love to the world.

Make today be the day where you choose to love those who have hurt you, to love like Jesus. Written by: p. abi