“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalms 139:23-24
Bearing fruit » fruit of the Spirit » Love (compassion, care, caring, regard, solicitude, concern, warmth, friendliness, friendship, kindness, charity, goodwill, sympathy, kindliness, unselfishness, selflessness, self-sacrifice, self-denial; consideration, compassion, kindness, goodwill, decency, nobility, public-spiritedness; generosity)
This virtue symbolizes Christ’s endless love for humanity and represents a selfless affection that places others’ needs above personal desires. It captures true altruism, motivating people to work for the well-being of others. It mirrors Christ’s teachings and sacrifices. Charity promotes a deep connection with others, encouraging a world of kindness and generosity
In the Bible, love is an enduring commitment to be with and to be for another person. In other words, love always chooses to act in ways that support their greatest good. Love often involves feelings of tenderness or affection but is not solely governed or defined by emotion. Most essentially, love is action.
In the New Testament, God’s self-giving love is most fully displayed when the divine Logos, or Word, takes on human flesh as Jesus of Nazareth. To become human, God lowers himself from the heights of infinite-divine life into the suffering and corruption of our current earthly reality in order to heal humanity and all creation.
It is important to note that love is not ignorant optimism that turns a blind eye to corruption and evil. Love relies on the power of gentleness, mercy, and honesty to confront evil.
