The Christian’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. This Divine Person within is not only a resident, but a resource. It is His purpose to reproduce the life of Jesus Christ in each of us. The Bible tells us what to expect when we allow that to happen: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23).

What cannot be attained through trying to keep the law, becomes ours through yielding to the Holy Spirit.

Notice that love heads the list. In his commentary on the New Testament, Alford says of this text: “Love — is at the head, as chief.” He then refers the reader to I Corinthians 13 for a study of what love is and what it does.

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to speak of Christ. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16: 13-14).

No wonder the life that is surrendered to the Holy Spirit is filled with love! The Spirit of God within is at work conforming the Christian’s life to that which honors the loving Saviour.

Have you had difficulty loving others? Is the fruit of the Spirit missing from your life? Do you find yourself bitter and defeated instead of joyful and loving? Stop trying to pump-up love. Yield to the Holy Spirit and allow His fruit to be evident in you!