Fruit of the Spirit--Love (devotion)

When I originally looked at the list of the Fruit of the Spirit, I assumed it was random. I assumed there was no particular significance to the order of the attributes listed in in Galatians 6. However, as I've been seeking and praying, I don't think that's the case for the first one. I don't believe it is an accident that "love" is listed at the beginning.

I Cor 13:2 (NIV) says, "...but do not have love, I am nothing." In this section Paul is declaring that he can have the greatest gifts, but without love they are useless. This is certainly true for the Fruit of the Spirit. Without love, how is it possible to have any positive characteristics?

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, "Love God and love your neighbor." That's my paraphrase anyway. Apply that to the Fruit of the Spirit. If you don't love God, how can you have joy? I Pet 1:8 (NIV) states, "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy..." If you did not love God and desire to please him, how could you have self-control. If you did not love your neighbor, how could you have patience? tenderness? goodness?

Examine your heart. Is love there? If not, there is only one place to find it. The rest of Galatians 5 mentions being led by the spirit, walking by the Spirit, living by the Spirit, and keeping in step with the Spirit. It's pretty clear that we need the Spirit! How do you "walk with the Spirit?" When our minds are on the Lord, we are walking with the Spirit. Whether it's prayer, meditating on the Word, talking to a Christian friend, or listening to a good song, find a way to walk with the Spirit and you will find yourself overflowing with love.