In our verses from Galatians 5:22-24 quoted below, we read that the “fruit of the spirit,” being singular, is found to be a complex entity that we as Christians must be.
This Valentine’s Day we are celebrating love, probably love of all kinds. We see on television that the world markets the “love of lust,” where many here and elsewhere celebrate “a love of compassion.” This love dwells within our hearts and wants to be a help to any regardless of the circumstances. Another love is the “love of term,” a love that is built in a marriage, a friendship, or our faith.
All of these “loves” are to some degree valid loves. Lust finds itself in a marriage as a part of the long-term love of that marriage. The “love of lust” in a broader sense can also be used to describe our initial conviction by the Holy Spirit for Jesus Christ, the desire, and the want to be what He wants us to be.
Yet, there is more to the “fruit of the Spirit” than just love. Consider Jesus hanging on that Cross, and stop and think in terms of this “fruit of the Spirit.” Now think how Jesus had “peace” and “gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness” while He was hanging there, and all the while, still loving us, forgiving us, and having patience concerning our “chosen lifestyle.”
Where on this Valentine’s Day have you placed your “fruit of the Spirit?” Is it in your pocket, or is it in the drawer next to your bed? It should, always regardless of the hour, the day, the week, the month, or all the years combined be within your heart.
We each, as Christians, have been given the “fruit of the Spirit,” and we each should be able to apply all its aspects. Yet, we each know we apply one segment more than another segment. However, they all should be equally applied. We must apply Jesus’ teachings as He stated:
If we will apply this as our “Golden Rule of Life,” the “fruit of the Spirit” will grow, and all the entities will flourish.
Do you “love one another?”
Bro John R. E Chastain
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