Holy Spirit, and love

Heartfelt concern and steadfast practical care is part of the evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in the lives of believers.

The Holy Spirit's work and fruit includes the characteristic of love

Galatians 5:22 See also Acts 9:31; Romans 15:30; Colossians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:8–10

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

The Holy Spirit fills believers with the love of God

Romans 5:5 See also Ezekiel 11:19; Ephesians 3:16–19

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

The Holy Spirit enables believers to live with one another in love

Ephesians 4:2–3 See also 2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:14–16, Galatians 5:25–26; Philippians 2:1–2

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

The gift of the Holy Spirit results in practical love

Acts 4:31–35

After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.

Love is essential in the exercise of the gifts of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 13:1–13 See also 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 14:26