It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit that we can set aside our sinfulness and our selfishness. Outside of God, however, we are unable to love perfectly. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love is self-sacrifice, putting others’ needs before our own, following Jesus’ example and humbling ourselves as servants. While many define love as romance or a warm feeling, the Bible’s definition is fundamentally active, based not in what we feel, but rather what we do. The Bible’s definition of love is very different from our world and culture’s definition today.

Love Christ laying down his life for us is the ultimate example of love. What are these fruits, how does the Bible define them, and how are they displayed in our Christian walk? This is the first in a series of posts about the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on love, joy, and peace. In other words, their works demonstrate the change of sanctification that is at work in their hearts. Those who are in Christ are distinguished from unbelievers in that they have been gifted with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to bear fruit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

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Fruits of the spirit