* Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit.

* All of the characteristics of love show up in that fruit.

* We see from this that love releases the power of the Spirit in our lives.

* Our vertical love for God empowers our horizontal love for others.

* Loving people are:

* Patient - Greek word is makrothumia - it means we have a passion that lasts because we are leaving things up to God, not taking matters into our own hands.

* Kind - they are empathetic and selfless.

* Not Envious - they don’t compare themselves to others or are filled with “want.”

* Not Boastful - they don’t talk about themselves.

* Not Prideful - they don’t think too highly of themselves.

* Honoring to all - they treat people with respect and dignity.

* Not Self Seeking - they are always putting others above themselves.

* Not Easily Angered - they don’t walk around with a chip on their shoulder (wounded).

* Forgiving - they forgive others because Christ forgave them.

* ** The lifeblood of all relationships - confession and forgiveness.

* Not Bent Toward Evil - they are not looking for ways to gratify the flesh.

* Protecting - they can be trusted to cover another’s weakness.

* Trusting - they are never suspicious because they are trustworthy.

* Hopeful - they aren’t negative and always see the bright side.

* Persevering - they aren’t quitters and they see things through.

* Winner - they may fail temporarily, but they never fail to get up and keep moving forward.