We have been taking a closer look at how we can best express the Fruit of the Spirit at work over the past several months, and are now wrapping up this series with LOVE.
Love is a huge aspect to the Bible, and I was initially overwhelmed at the thought of how to make it relevant for us in the workplace, until I read this version of Galatians 5:22-23.
“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-23 TPT)
The love in these verses is God’s love, which is to be the base, or foundation, from which all the other fruit of the Spirit are to be expressed through. Just as His love is the motivation for all He does for us, so is that love through us to be the same.
Similarly, we see in 1 Corinthians 13 how our actions are essentially empty without that foundation of love:
“So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.” (1 Corinthians 13:3)*
As Christian business women, we are to be motivated, and grounded, by His love, just as God is towards us.
You may wonder why I am discussing this last in this series on the Fruit of the Spirit. I often need to remind myself to keep the most important thing the most important thing, whether at home, or work. Making sure that all I am doing comes out of a motivation of love is worth a regular reminder, and I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit will bring that important truth to my mind every time I ask Him to.
As the Holy Spirit is a gift that we are given when we become His children, making sure we are remaining in close contact with Him will help us to ensure our foundation, and motivation, is His love. That way, His fruit will be expressed through our actions.
Love is best felt when it is seen in a variety of ways at work:
Joy when sharing a victory
Maintaining your peace and patience with a difficult client or supplier.
Responding with kindness when you are upset or angry.
Looking at and confirming the good in a staff person when doing their review, and delivering hard news with kindness.
Faithfully serving your team and clients during a hard season.
Keeping self control when you are pushed too far in a difficult conversation or situation.
Bringing this to God in Prayer
God, there are so many ways in which I forget that my every day motivation at work is to come from love. Your love to me, then expressed to those I work with. Would You reassure me of Your love on the days when I don't remember or feel it? Would You send Holy Spirit to remind me that I do not act alone, but as Your child, You are always with me to guide me and help me to respond in ways that both honor You and the ones I am serving. I acknowledge how much I need You, every moment of every day, and how grateful I am for Your constant love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
As we spend our days at work, serving and connecting with our coworkers, staff, and clients, may we continue to express His fruit - joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - from the mindset and foundation of love.
Karla, Christian Women at Work
*Read the full passage here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13&version=MSG