Fruit of the Spirit: What is Love?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22,23)

The Bible has a detailed description of love. It is in First Corinthians chapter 13 verses 4 to 8. This passages describes true love. This love is an element in the Fruit of the Spirit.

Love:

• is patient: not short-tempered, patient with people, shows self-restraint

• is kind: good, reacts with goodness to ill treatment

• does not envy: does not have strong jealousy for what others have, not displeased when others succeed

• does not boast: not a “wind-bag”

• is not proud: does not assert itself

• is not rude: what is according to proper form, not disgraceful, not dishonorable, not indecent

• is not self-seeking: does not seek its own way or insist on its own way, not selfish, not self-centered

• is not easily angered: not touchy, no selfish concern for one's rights,

• keeps no record of wrongs: does not keep accounts, notes or records to hold it against someone

• does not delight in evil: it is human nature to take pleasure in others misfortune, love does not

• rejoices with the truth: love is not immune to morality, it wants truth to prevail

• always protects: covers, endures, does not easily give way

• always trusts: sees the best in others, gives the benefit of the doubt

• always hopes: refuses to accept failure as final; believes in ultimate victory

• always perseveres: not overwhelmed, continues in spite of difficulty

• never fails: does not collapse or suffer ruin, love is permanent