Les Feldick Bible Study

How is the fruit of love defined in Galatians 5:22?

According to Galatians 5:22, the fruit of love is defined as love for all concerned with whom we come in contact, a love that seeks the other person's highest good rather than selfish interest. It is the first fruit of the Spirit listed in that passage.

Les teaches that in Galatians chapter 5, the fruit of the Spirit begins with love. He defines this love as love for all concerned with whom we come in contact, a love that seeks the other person's highest good. He notes it is the first fruit listed, followed by joy—which believers can have in spite of adversity and persecution—and then peace. The Philippian context illustrates joy in trials, but love is the foundational fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

More Questions

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.

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.

Why does Galatians 5 list love, joy, and peace together, and what two kinds of peace are behind them?

The love, joy, and peace in Galatians 5 come because of two categories: the peace with God received at salvation, and the peace of God that carries believers through their trying times.