The answer is: Love

Gal 5:22-23

The first "fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians is love, a very fitting start considering how central love is in many aspects of life, both secular and spiritual. Think of it as the cornerstone of the other fruits! When we dive into the significance of love in biblical tradition, we quickly see its importance across both the Old and New Testaments.

For instance, the word "love" appears over 400 times in the Bible! Interestingly, in Jesus’ teaching, love takes center stage. In the famous passage, known as the Shema, in Deuteronomy 6:5, we find the call to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and might. This idea of total devotion is echoed in Matthew 22:37-40 when Jesus highlights love as the greatest commandment and how it fulfills the law.

Additionally, the Apostle Paul, who authored Galatians, often emphasized love as the ultimate expression of Christian behavior in his letters. It sets the tone for the rest – joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Just as the Greek words in the New Testament offer varied nuances of "love"—like "agape," which signifies selfless, unconditional love—these flavors add depth to how we understand relationships in every aspect of life, missed connections, and community well-being. Love, therefore, isn't just the first fruit—it's the seed from which all other good things grow!