Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
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.
What is "LOVE"?
Too so many, the word means so many different things. To me -
God is "LOVE" everything about him is total and complete love.
Pre salvation ( Before Jesus was in my life).
I had a few opinions about what I thought that word 'love' actually meant, fast forward to now, saved by grace, 11 years married and two kids later, my understanding of that word love becomes clear to with every passing season of my life. Whilst I as a person am still evolving, I can boldly and confidently exclaim that God has remained true, kind, gracious and full of love for me, even when I didn't and don't deserve it.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
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 scripture always been an all time favourite scripture of mine, as a new believer, I would pray that God would help me develop these Godly attitudes and characteristics, often times I had no idea of what to expect or how those prayers would be answered (Lol)
Through different seasons in my life, I have had the opportunity to see God work little miracles and answer some of those prayers and my oh, my, some of the experiences have been painful and others well, you'll just have to find out..
The spirit produces fruit, which consists of 9 characteristics or attitudes that are inextricably linked with each and are commanded of believers throughout the New Testament.
Love is such an action word, giving and not expecting anything back in return kind of an action word. Love always comes easy when we don't mind giving it e.g - giving love to something you love or someone you love. But love becomes slightly challenging when you don't want to give anymore or it just doesn't benefit you.
When I think of how much God loves me, even in my deepest imperfections, I sometimes sit there and I'm overwhelmed.
When I think about how much God loves me, even in my sin, I find myself broken.
God teaches me what love looks like and how I should ultimately love people. Gods love for us is a pure love, a unconditional love, sometimes, yes, sometimes tough love, to truly bring us to where we need to be.
As a mother, I have learnt even more about what love should look like, sound like and be like, the more I teach my children to love each other I'am reminded of the love God has for us.
1st Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
Join Me In A Prayer
Lord, I thank you for all that you are doing in my circumstances, I pray that you will soften my heart and that I may know you, I pray that you will fill my heart with your love.
In Jesus Name, Amen
P.S - Don't be a stranger, let's stay connected!