What does the fruit of the Spirit 'love' actually mean?
The fruit of the Spirit called love is a love for all concerned with whom we come in contact; it seeks the other person's highest good. It is listed first among the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians chapter 5, emphasizing selfless concern for others.
Les explains that the first fruit of the Spirit is love, defined as love for all concerned with whom we come in contact, that which seeks the other person's highest good. He connects this to the broader list in Galatians 5, where joy follows—joy in spite of adversity and persecution—and then peace. In Philippians, he notes the emphasis on rejoicing in the Lord always despite trials and sufferings, illustrating how these fruits operate in the believer's life.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
More Questions
which fruits of the Spirit relate to how we treat other people?
The fruits of the Spirit that govern our relationships with others (neighbor/family) are long-suffering (patience), gentleness, and goodness.
How does the fruit of the Spirit compare to the works of the flesh in Galatians 5?
The fruit of the Spirit is a total inversion of the works of the flesh listed in the previous verses — the Spirit's activity replaces that activity entirely.