Some things are so obvious that we miss them, even when they’re staring us in the face.

That’s certainly the case when it comes to leaving a legacy of love with our lives.

For those of us who follow Jesus, we certainly want love to be a part of our legacy. After all, in Mark 12:31 Jesus says to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Another key love passage is the well-known text in Galatians 5:22-23 about the “fruit of the Spirit”—evidence of God’s Spirit working in and through your life: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” As I mentioned yesterday, it’s no small thing that love is listed first. It’s the governing or over-arching virtue. All the other virtues are connected to love.

Here’s the thing that’s obvious. If you want to leave a legacy of love with your life, it helps to know what the fruit of the Spirit actually are.

–Can you recite them?
–When you’re navigating a tough decision, can you think about a virtue that could serve you well?
–When someone you care about needs advice, can you recall these nine virtues quickly so that you can give some helpful wisdom?

It’s easier to do the right things when you know the right things. Memorize the fruit of the Spirit.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.