As we walk in the Spirit, we reflect the character of Jesus. In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul described what that would look like. We can hold these verses up as mirror. It says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffereing, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control…”

What evidence do others see of this fruit in your life? Paul described love in 1 Corinthians 13. I will paraphrase. It suffers long and is kind, does not envy; is not prideful, not rude, not self-seeking, not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in others’ sins, rejoices in truth; bears, believes, hopes and endures all things. It never fails. 

1 John 4:9 says that God is love. His entire being is love. His thoughts and actions all come from His love. We cannot love like Him on our own. Romans 5:8 says that His love was poured into our hearts at salvation. Therefore His love dwells in us, and the Holy Spirit will lead us to live out that love as we follow Him. Joy and peace are irrevocable gifts at salvation.