The Fruit of LOVE...

The Fruit of Prayer

When Jesus is was asked to name the greatest of all commandments He listed two.  He said that it was to love the Lord God with all that a person is, and to love all those around you.  As I read the book this week and the author spoke of spiritual fruits of the spirit, I could not help but be amazed by the powerful connection between Jesus' interaction with with Jewish leaders who questioned Him on the most important of God's commandments and the list of qualities Paul gives of those living in the Spirit in his letter to the Galatians:

"22 The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this."

(Galatians 5:22-23 The Voice)

I find it intriguing that the very first characteristic that Paul lists it the main element of both of Jesus' greatest commandments.  What this tells me is that there is a lot of weight placed upon the importance of love.  In fact, the author of the book goes on to describe just how important he deems love to be:

"Without love, every form of religious observance is worthless. Proficiency in Scripture is just a deception. We may understand the divine attributes or probe into the mysteries of predestination, but without love we have no proof of citizenship in heaven. We may perform miracles and preach eloquently, but all our efforts are for nothing if we do not have love."  

(Cymbala, Jim ~ Breakthrough Prayer) 

So, in a season when I am searching for restoration.  When my heart, mind, and soul search for rest, my natural place of turning to is prayer.  I speak to my God, my savior, and prayer for Him to speak to my heart and lead me.  During my prayers, I am always plagued by a feeling being unsure of what to pray for.  However, as I consider this weeks reading and my study, I find myself continually asking for love.  I ask for an increased ability to show love in every area of my life.  I may not always be comfortable, but if I am demonstrating the first listed fruit of the spirit, then I will always be following the greatest of my God's commandments.  If I love my God and love my neighbor as they should truly be loved, then restoration my my life will be assured.