Pastor Luther Walker continues his teaching on the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, emphasizing part two on love. Walking by the Spirit means not fulfilling the lusts (strong desires) of the flesh, contrasted with the desires produced by the Holy Spirit. Unlike Old Testament saints where the Spirit came and went, in the Church Age the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, impacting internal desires. Christians live by faith, not sight, finding communication with God through these righteous desires within.
The Fruit of the Spirit is singular—one fruit with multiple expressions (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness/meekness, self-control), all operating together, with love tying them together. Human love sacrifices to gain for self, as seen with the Pharisees loving prominent seats. God’s love seeks the highest good for the loved one, even when it involves discipline that feels unpleasant but produces benefit.
Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, God’s quality of love is defined as:
Longsuffering: holding back anger toward unreasonable people (distinct from patience, which relates to circumstances).
Kind: a good, friendly disposition toward others.
Not jealous: does not covet what others have, but desires more for them.
Does not parade or boast about itself; acts unseen.
Not puffed up or prideful.
Does not behave rudely or dishonorably; maintains proper form and respect.
Does not seek its own advantage; contrasts with self-seeking human love and law-based righteousness (Romans 10:3). Believers seek others’ benefit (1 Corinthians 10:24) and set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2), framing their identity as saints in Christ rather than “just sinners saved by grace.”
Love is not easily provoked or sharpened to intense reactions. It does not reckon or attribute wrong/lacking character to others, nor rejoice in unrighteousness (which includes mental attitudes, broader than external sin—1 John 5:17; Romans 1:29). Instead, love rejoices in truth and seeing things as they really are. It bears (covers, protects, endures strain), believes (takes people at their word), hopes (eager expectation based on promises), and endures all things (patience under circumstances, child-training, temptation). Love never fails.
Faith, hope, and love abide, but the greatest is love because it continues into eternity. Understanding this love enables believers to recognize and follow Holy Spirit desires, directing love properly toward saints rather than the world system. This is walking by the Spirit.
