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Love can only be understood by looking at God.  Only those who truly know Him truly know anything about love because He is its Originator and its Ultimate Manifestation.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.  1 John 4:7 – 8 ESV

Love is that disposition of character that continually looks away from itself and intentionally wills and pursues the benefit of others.

Love is the foundation of all the other virtues.

Joy is the thrill of love as it invests itself in the lives of others.

Peace is love living harmoniously with all those around it.

Patience (longsuffering) is love’s endurance as it continues to extend good will under trying circumstances.

Kindness is love paying attention to the details so it can benefit others in particularly helpful ways.

Goodness is the character of love as it projects good will to everything around it.

Faithfulness is love’s commitment of fidelity to God and others.  Love is not double-minded.

Meekness is love refusing to respond from a position of power.  Love trusts in the power of the One to Whom it is surrendered.

Self-control is love refraining from promoting itself or seeking to use anyone or anything to its own advantage.

Love is the natural expression of living in the Reign.

M