Today’s verse speaks of varied expressions. This is the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you. Galatians 5:22-23 says:“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless” (TPT).
Let us look at the divine love in all its varied expressions.
Love is from where all else flows. This Love is unconditional. This Love never fails. This Love never gives up. Again, this love is where everything else flows. The joy, the peace, the patience, the kindness, the goodness, the faithfulness, the gentleness, the self-control — it all flows from the love. Now let us break this down in the varied expressions:
Joy that overflows. This is not a feeling that is based on events and situations. This joy comes from the Lord. This joy comes from knowing the Lord and being in relationship with the Lord. This joy cannot be stolen. It is the joy in knowing that God is in control, that God’s promises are true, and that one day we will have life eternal with Him.
Peace that subdues. Serenity. This is a peace beyond understanding. This is a peace that is possible through the toughest trials and storms of life.
Patience that endures. This is not about our ability to wait, but how we act while waiting. This is about trusting that God has a great plan and His timing is the best timing.
Kindness in action. Compassion isn’t something you only feel. There should be action. If you truly care, you act. You cannot help but reach out, give, serve, be there for others.
Goodness. A Life full of virtue. This is doing that which is good at every turn.
Faithfulness. Faith that prevails. This is believing even when you are not seeing.
Gentleness of heart. Meekness. It’s not about weakness. It’s not about being nice or easy going. It’s not about not getting easily upset. Meekness is strength under control.
Self-control. Strength of spirit. This is not acting, speaking, or doing something that is not fruitful. This is holding the tongue instead of throwing daggers. This is saying “no” when the world is pushing for “yes,” because you know a “yes” goes against God. This is not giving into temptation.
Each of us as believers of Christ have these varied expressions of divine love. These qualities are meant to be limitless. The question we can all chew upon today — Are you seeing limits? Why?
Tania Gutekunst 