Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
Love that mysterious fruit. Far more complex and wonderful than we can fully grasp or understand. Does the fruit of love actually have all other eight fruit within it. Does love have joy?
What motivated Jesus? His love for us?
…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
What about peace? Does it really endure through EVERY circumstance?
And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39
What about patience (which also is described as long suffering)?
But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
Was Jesus kind? Does love mean kindness as well?
Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4
Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. Romans 11:22
and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7
What about goodness?
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
(the goodness of God refers to the intent of God’s heart towards us)
Is love faithful? Love never gives up?
and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood Revelation 1:5
What about gentleness? Or sometimes translated meekness?
(In the New Testament, “prautés” refers to a quality of gentle strength, characterized by humility and a calm demeanor. It is not weakness but rather power under control, reflecting a spirit of submission to God and consideration for others. This virtue is often associated with the fruit of the Spirit and is a mark of true Christian character.)
Jesus said of Himself…
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29
Then finally there is self-control.
I often think of this fruit being displayed by Jesus when He took a “whip of cords” to the sellers in the temple. (John 2:15)
Does it seem like the wrong example? What could He have done instead? What kind of power did Jesus have as His disposal?
For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, Hebrews 12:6a
Love is FAR more faceted and complex than we first think or know by our limited earthly experience.
How have you recognized or experienced His love?