In this new series on the fruit of the Spirit, I will be looking at the various components of this fruit as stated in Galatians 5:22-23, starting with Love as the foundational cornerstone on which everything else hangs. Love forms one of the greatest commandments that Jesus left with us as stated in John 15: 12-13 AMP
“This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.”
Have you ever felt the world’s harshness and wondered if love could really make a difference? In a culture that often values speed over patience and self-interest over kindness, love stands as a revolutionary force—not just a feeling, but a daily, transformative choice. Love becomes a way of living daily and a choice that defines you as a role model. The Apostle Paul analyses love in 1 Corinthians 13. He says,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4–8
Paul didn’t randomly list love as the first fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)—he knew it was the foundation of all the others. Love is the lens through which we are called to see others, the anchor that steadies relationships, and the glue that holds communities together.
Whether you’re reading this from a place of faith, another tradition, or none at all—love, in its purest form, remains a universal need. It heals, unites, and gives meaning to human connection. My writings generally flow from my Christian beliefs where my anchor in life is rooted , but my hope and prayer is that these messages will speak across all boundaries: Love is still the most excellent way.
Why Love Matters
At its core, love is not just a feeling; it’s a daily decision. A powerful, countercultural choice to respond with kindness instead of cruelty, with patience instead of frustration, with forgiveness instead of retaliation.
Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is not sentimental—it’s gritty, resilient, and practical. It speaks of love that is willing to suffer long, does not keep a record of wrongs, endures disappointment, and extends grace even when it’s hard. This kind of love changes how we engage in families, workplaces, churches, and even on a global scale.
Take a moment to reflect: When was the last time you chose love over frustration or anger? What difference did it make?
1. Love in the Family: Creating Safe Havens
In our homes, love is tested most. It’s easy to say we love when everything is smooth. But what about during disagreements, tired evenings, or seasons of personal struggle?
Personally, I’ve found love to be a daily commitment in my family life. Whether it’s showing patience when tensions rise or choosing to listen with empathy rather than react in anger, love has softened our edges and strengthened our bond. I’ve had to learn, again and again, that love means putting the other person’s needs above winning an argument.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” — Ephesians 4:2
Love isn’t just expressed in grand gestures—it’s in washing the dishes without being asked, praying together before bed, or offering a kind word when the day has been long. It’s what makes home a place of healing.
Which trait of love from 1 Corinthians 13 do you find most challenging to live out at home? What’s one small way you can show more patience or kindness to your family this week?
2. Love in the Workplace: Transforming Culture
As a health professional and team member, I’ve witnessed how love can transform even the most stressful environments. When colleagues feel genuinely seen and valued, morale improves and collaboration grows.
I’ve chosen to approach my workplace with the mindset of love—not just professionalism, but compassion. That means encouraging a colleague who’s had a hard week, forgiving someone who missed a deadline, or choosing integrity in difficult decisions.
“Do everything in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
True love in the workplace isn’t romantic; it’s respect, empathy, and the courage to put people before processes when necessary. Even in professional circles, values like compassion and emotional intelligence are now recognized as critical for growth and unity.
Who in your workplace needs encouragement or understanding? How can you show love—perhaps through kindness, patience, or forgiveness—this week?
3. Love in the Church: Reflecting Christ’s Heart
In church life, love must be more than words. It must show in how we serve, forgive, and carry each other’s burdens. Sadly, churches can become divided over doctrine, style, or personality. But the early church thrived because of their visible love for one another (Acts 2:42–47).
As believers, we are called to demonstrate the love of Christ—not just on Sundays, but in our daily interactions. That love is what draws people in—not perfect theology or flashy programs, but authentic, servant-hearted love.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35
Is there someone in your church or community you need to forgive or serve? How can you show Christ’s love to them this week?
4. Love in the World: Healing the Brokenness
Globally, we see the consequences of a lack of love—war, prejudice, isolation, injustice. Yet, when we embody love, we become healing agents.
Love advocates for justice without hate. It builds bridges between cultures. It listens before it judges. It forgives when history says we should remember.
Imagine if every person embodied the traits of 1 Corinthians 13—patience, kindness, humility, truthfulness, perseverance. The ripple effect would be life-changing. Whether you’re inspired by faith, humanity, or hope for a better world—love must lead the way.
How can you extend love to someone different from you—perhaps a neighbour, co-worker, or even a stranger? What’s one action you can take to build a bridge or show kindness?
Personal Reflection: Love as a Lifestyle
Over the years, whether on the sports track or serving in healthcare, I’ve learned that love is my most powerful tool. It’s what helps me encourage rather than criticize, listen rather than rush, and serve even when it costs something.
In all my social settings, be it at work or church or in the sanctity of my home, Love has been at the forefront of my decision making and the lens through which I have related with everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or anything else purely based on the fact that Christ loves me just as I am and my duty is to love in such a manner that He is reflected in me. He says in 1 Peter 4:8 that Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
My colleagues at work and in church have noted the way I consistently treated people with dignity and grace. That wasn’t about natural personality—it was about living by the values of my Christian faith. And even outside that framework, it’s about choosing to be guided by love over pride, healing over harm.
What area of your life needs more love? What’s one step you can take to make love a daily practice?
Reflection Questions
- Which trait of love from 1 Corinthians 13 do you find most challenging to live out?
- How can you express love more intentionally in your family or workplace?
- What does it look like to love those who are difficult or different from you?
A Closing Word & Prayer
Love is more than a nice idea. It’s the radical way of Christ. It transforms homes, organizations, and nations—not by force, but by grace.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to love as You love. Give me patience, kindness, humility, and truth in all I do. Help me reflect Your heart in my family, at work, in my community, and beyond. Let love be my legacy. Amen.
Takeaways
- Love is the foundation of all other virtues.
- Practicing love transforms families, workplaces, churches, and society.
- Love is action—daily, intentional, and powerful.
- Everyone, regardless of belief, can grow in love one choice at a time.
May you be inspired to walk the most excellent way—the way of love—today and every day.
Whether you are a Christian, of another faith, or still seeking your spiritual path, I’m glad you’re here. If this message resonated with you, please share, reflect, or reach out. Let’s support each other on the journey toward wholeness—in mind, body, and spirit.
Together in grace,
Joseph
Feeling enriched just reading this. My prayer is that I will be more conscious and deliberate in relating with love.
Loved this. Thank you
Love indeed conquers a multitude of sins and our lives are so enriched when we practice love. Thank you, Joe.
Thank you very much for this
Thank you so much for breaking this down.
LOVE SUPERSEDE EVERYTHING.