Love is the mark of new life in Christ (1 Corinthians 13:1–13). It reflects the nature of God and Christ (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:1–2; 1 John 4:16).1 Love flows from the Spirit (Romans 15:30; Colossians 1:8), can be traced back also to the Father (Romans 8:39; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4) or the Son (Romans 8:35; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 2 Corinthians 13:14). Love is the fulfilment of the law (Romans 13:8–10; Galatians 5:14), self-sacrificial service of others so that they themselves can be strengthened to serve God.2
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,