Jimbo's Jots

Over the next five weeks, we will explore the Fruit of the Spirit and what it means to become the people God is shaping us to be. Rather than simply asking, “What should Christians do?” we will ask a deeper question: “Who are we becoming?” Each fruit offers both a picture of Christlike character and an invitation to grow emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Love: Becoming People Who Love Well

Galatians 5:22 | 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Paul begins the fruit of the Spirit with love. Perhaps that’s because love is not simply something we feel or do—it is something we are becoming.

Paul describes love as patient, kind, humble, forgiving, and selfless. These qualities remind us that loving well often involves more than our emotions. Our fears, hurts, insecurities, and past experiences can influence how we respond to others. Sometimes we react before we have the opportunity to love.

Emotional health invites us to become aware of what is happening within us. Spiritual formation invites us to bring those places to God and allow His Spirit to shape our responses.

Jesus is our model. He welcomed people, listened, showed compassion, spoke truth, forgave, and served. He demonstrated that love is more than a feeling—it is a way of being.

So as we begin this series, perhaps the better question isn’t simply, “What should I do?”

It is:

“Who am I becoming?”

Are we becoming people who love like Jesus?

Prayer:
Lord, form Your love in us. Help us become people who are patient, kind, compassionate, forgiving, and willing to serve. Shape our hearts so that the love we receive from Christ becomes the love we share with others. Amen.