When water comes into contact with lime, a chemical reaction takes place that releases heat. That explains why fresh concrete is warm. In order to keep the concrete cool, the Hoover Dam in Arizona and Nevada was built in small segments with a system of cooling coils in each section. Engineers estimate that if the dam were built in one continuous pour, the concrete would’ve become so hot that it would’ve taken 125 years to cool!
Many people in our world today think of love as a chemical reaction. As we’ve noted, when lime and water mix together, things start to heat up! Similarly it’s often said that when the right two people are put together, an automatic chemical reaction occurs, and they call this falling in love.
Now, the fruit of the Spirit that Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23 is love (see July 1). But this fruit of love that the Spirit wants to grow in us is not a natural or automatic reaction! It’s the love of God, and that’s far different from the selfish love we often find in our human relationships. The definition of love that we find in 1 Corinthians 13 makes clear that love is a decision and commitment to put others first.
As the Spirit grows the fruit of love in us, we find ourselves actively taking steps to treat others in the way Jesus would treat them.
Lord, grow the fruit of love in me by your Holy Spirit. Help me to love others not just with words but also with a commitment to act in ways that put others first. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!