Over the next several months, I will write my reflections about each of these nine important qualities. I hope you will become aware of the power of each word and grasp why Paul used these particular terms to illustrate the goodness of the gospel. As you realize how simple and enjoyable it is to live out these qualities in a way that changes the lives of others, you will be inspired to let God’s word direct the actions of your own life, lift up those around you in the sweet fragrance of His love, and rejoice in the gift of an abundant heart.

May the Holy Spirit empower you to reflect love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your life, each and every day.

All of us spend a good part of our lives earnestly searching for the most rewarding feeling of all- something called Love. We are always attempting to improve our understanding of love and despite our best efforts, we still have a hard time defining love. So what is this sought-after feeling. According to Scripture, it’s much more than just a fleeting emotion. Instead, love is a decision that we make, and it’s shown in how we treat other people. When we love them, we choose to do what is best for them. The ultimate example of this kind of love is found in the primary love that God has for us. Read John 3:16

Now that’s love! In spite of our not always choosing to do things His way, God gave us his only Son so that we might be forgiven and delight in His everlasting caring. When we are able to capture the magnitude of His love, we gain an immense understanding of what love is all about. Through this, we begin to love God, love ourselves, and love others. This kind of love- agape love (Christian Love), the highest expression of love,can conquer all. It comes directly from Heaven, and when it enters our hearts, we all are truly blessed with its rewards.

Many times we expect the fruit of joy to bring us unlimited happiness. Yet when we read the scriptures, we are encouraged to reflect on what it really means to experience joy and to have a joyful heart. Joy can be experienced even when times are difficult.

Joy is an attitude we have toward life’s experiences. As we view the events of our life, we can choose to be resentful toward God for letting certain things happen to us or we can choose an attitude of gratitude and a commitment of joy.

Joy is our best choice. We have joy when we learn to take our circumstances and the ups and downs of life in stride. We lighten our load in life and draw others to us by having a joyful heart. The joy of the Lord is our strength!

To me, joy is the beam of sunshine that shines in the believers’ presence. Its rays reach out to the world through our sorrows and defeats, as well as in our jubilations and triumphs. Scripture is very clear when it says that we are to be “always rejoicing.” We should freely show how joyful we are at all times.

If we try hard to bring happiness to others we cannot stop it from coming to us also. Therefore, to get joy, we must give it.

Remember your smile can be a source of your joy.