Fruit of the Spirit LOVE
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-25 KJV
Let’s talk about LOVE
Love is considering the needs of others before your own. Love is listening when someone speaks. Love is responding with care, concern, and compassion. Love uplifts. Love encourages. Love never lets go. Love is that special force that keeps you going even when you want to give up. That being said throughout my life as a person who battles with chronic depression my love for Jesus Christ as well as my love for my children has been a constant motivational force to keep going just one more day. I promised my children that I would be here to help them navigate this oftentimes difficult situation known as life. I guess some would say my family has always been my “why”.
Do you battle with depression or intrusive thoughts? Find an anchor in your life one thing that no matter what comes your way you promise not to let go. Knowing your why will settle you and keep you when the storms of life come against you. Jesus wants to be our why. He died so we might have abundant life. An abundant life is a full satisfying journey. I’m not saying my love for Jesus is less than my love for my family. What we must realize is that we are spiritual beings in a physical experience. My spiritual love for Jesus keeps me grounded. Then my physical love for my family keeps me focused on something I can see with my eyes. The 2 loves together has kept me when battling with suicidal ideations. Having a physical “why” gives you something you can touch when depression tries to take you out. My children understand me they need me and I need them. Jesus will never leave me nor forsake me so no matter how many times suicide has tried it has never succeeded in convincing me to let go.
Isaiah 26:5 The Message
People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit.
According to 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 AMP
Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail.] Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one.] , hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. Love never fails [it never fades nor ends].
These particular qualities can be found in individuals who are genuine representatives of Jesus Christ. pray these words and my transparency here helps you to hold on.
