Love – Joy – Peace
As I studied these spiritual fruit, I realized these are not only characteristics of a maturing Christian but gifts to enrich our lives. Fruit of the Spirit are actions prompted, directed and produced by the Holy Spirit. They bring glory to God. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (NIV).
God is Love
Did you know love is in the Bible over 700 times? Something God included that many times has to be important.
The first fruit listed in the Galatians 5 passage is love. It is not an accident it is listed first because without love none of the other fruit can grow. Love is an action, not a feeling. Our world gets this confused. 1 John 3:18 states, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth" (NIV).
Love produces love.
Did you know Biblical love doesn’t take two? It only takes one with character. What is character? It is doing something even when we don’t feel like it. God loved us before we loved Him (Romans 5:8).
Rejoice in the Lord Always
Did you know joy is mentioned in the Bible over 400 times? Again, if God put it in there that many times, we need to take notice.
Joy is love’s strength. Nehemiah 8:12 tells us “the joy of the Lord is my strength.” Our strength comes from Jesus.
Are you a glass-half-full person or a glass-half-empty person? How you see the world around you affects others.
Joy is holy optimism. Joy is NOT happiness or pleasure. We can have joy “in spite” of our circumstances like James 1:2-4 tells us. Joy comes from knowing God is in control.
We must pursue Joy to honor the one who has given us life.
Peace that passes all understanding
Did you know peace is mentioned over 500 times in scriptures? Bet you know what that means.
Peace is love’s security. Peace is the tranquil state of an assured, redeemed, believing, obeying Christian.
We have peace in God because Jesus binds us to Him. Real peace is knowing nothing can separate us from God. He promises to "keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in [Him]" (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).
Peace with others can be difficult. I often tell my kids it takes two to argue as a way to remind them that they have control over themselves.
What do you do if you find your love, joy or peace tanks running low?
1, Get into the presence of God.
2, Talk to the One who can refill your tanks.
2. Get into God’s Word and recharge.