I have just spent the weekend in Madrid with my dear friends Peter and Mariette Stott and had the privilege of speaking at a conference where folk came from all over Spain.

I’m afraid to say the only Spanish I know is “Hola” [hello] ; Gracias [thank you] and Fuego [fire!!] …I know, not much language for any decent conversation!! – thank God for the fabulous young man Christian who translated me during the conference and then was at hand all through the weekend to help me “chat” with people during the prayer times, meals and coffee breaks!!

But… what fascinated me beyond all the verbal challenges was the non-verbal communication using our hands, eyes, smiles and heart – and what truly touched me deeply was the love the dear Spanish folk demonstrated to me all weekend …kindness that was lavish and so genuine.

Throughout the weekend – beyond what I could do or say I knew that love was central and without being able to have too many “ deep and meaning conversations” I truly felt that God knitting our hearts together and giving me a love for these precious people.

Galatians 5: 22-23 :
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)

A quote from DL Moody regarding these verses really sums up what I experienced…

The fruit of the Spirit begins with love.
There are nine graces spoken of,and of these nine Paul puts love at the head of the list;
love is the first thing, the first in that precious cluster of fruit.

Someone has said that all the other eight can be put in terms of love.

Joy... is love exulting.

Peace... is love in repose.

Longsuffering... is love on trial.

Gentleness... is love in society.

Goodness... is love in action.

Faith... is love on the battlefield.

Meekness... is love at school.

Temperance... is love in training.

If we only just brought forth the fruit of the Spirit, what a world we would have!

Men would have no desire to do evil.

This is my hearts cry for this month to live such a life

– to produce fruit that goes beyond just words!!