Day 1 · The Fruit of the Spirit
Love
“Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil.”1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Reflection
The first fruit is love — and Paul's famous description shows it is less a feeling than a way of treating people. Notice this is fruit, not force: it grows from the Spirit's life in us, not from gritted teeth. We cannot manufacture patient, unenvious, self-giving love on our own. But as we abide in Christ, His love begins to ripen in how we live.
A prayer
Father, You are love, and every real love comes from You. I confess how often mine is impatient, easily provoked, quick to keep score. I cannot produce the love described here by my own effort. So I ask Your Spirit to grow it in me — patience where I am short, kindness where I am cold, a love that seeks others' good before my own. Make me more like Jesus. Amen.
Carry this with you
Which line of this description of love is hardest for you — and where could the Spirit grow it today?