The “deeds of the flesh” are in opposition to the Spirit of God.  Yesterday some of the desires of the flesh were considered.  Those who know Christ as their Savior and Lord have been given the Holy Spirit.  And the Holy Spirit is within all of the followers of Christ.  We have been given the fruit of His Spirit…what a contrast to the deeds of the flesh.  How rich we are!

There are nine fruits listed as if they were one fruit…
(NASB) Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.”

Love…the world thinks of love in terms of sexual and sensual love…which is on the bottom-most rung of the meanings of love.
The next step up is the love people have for their brothers and sisters…brotherly love.  It is so important to have love for others…do you?
The highest form of love is God’s love.  How He is to be praised for His love for you.  He sent His Son, His only Son, to die in your place for your sins.  (See John 3:16-17)

Have you ever considered loving God in the way you live?  So many times we think of His love for us (which can be overwhelming!).  But how many times do we think about showing love to God?
Have you told Him that you love Him today?
Do your words and actions work together in showing God that you love Him?

Even followers of Christ can become very selfish…wanting God to love us, just as we are (and He does).  As we mature and grow in His love, shouldn’t we be thinking of Him more and ourselves less?  (See John 3:30)
What if…you begin to turn your focus on the God Who loves you, expressing your love for Him in the way you live and interact with others?

 

“…the fruit of the Spirit is love…”