5th Fruit — Clarifications …
First & foremost, being truly Loving is not to be confused with “pacifism.” Kindness is not effectuated by “giving in” to another’s wishes, but rather by actively giving to them (often regardless of what their wishes might be). Capitulation to another’s desires often entrenches their dysfunctional behaviors, and this is not truly Caring, nor is it truly Compassionate (“Love does no wrong to another; therefore, Love is the fulfillment of the Law.” ~ Romans 13:10) … To be truly Loving to another, we must often be strong enough to do the Right Act, as opposed to the one that is wished for – and we must often do so even when our own friends might be unintentionally angered by the same (“For those who want to save their own life will lose it, and those who Give their Life for the Way will Find Life.” ~ Jesus in Matthew 16:25) … Have faith in others’ strength of character. Avoid attempting to “help” them, and simply Love them instead (“Endure when you Do Right and suffer for it … For to this you have been Called.” ~ 1 Peter 2:20-21) …
Additionally, being truly “Care-full” cannot be accurately labeled as being “weak.” Choosing to be Kind to one’s enemies requires the greatest Strength imaginable (“What good is it to Love only those who Love you?” ~ Jesus in Matthew 5:46) … Indeed, it is often uncomfortable — even downright frightening — to do so. Every unkind behavior inherently seeks a fear-full response. Divine Kindness (i.e. Caring for another completely without fear — see 1 John 4:18) is always a Power-full response to any unkindness — and therefore by nature never “weak” at all (“See that no on repays evil for evil, but rather always seek to Do Good to one another and to all …” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:15) …
Finally, loving acts need neither be received nor appreciated to be potent. The effectiveness of any action rests in the nature of its Giving, not the manner of its reception (“This is my Commandment, that you Love one another as I have Loved you.” ~ Jesus in John 15:12) … Even if an intended receiver rejects a Kindness, others will witness that compassionate deed and be moved accordingly (“Show by your Good Life that your works are done with gentleness born of Wisdom.” ~ James 3:13) … And, the moment that our Kindness is given again after an initial rejection, the recipient thereof will feel your Compassion on the deepest, most Power-full level possible (“Let us consider how to encourage one another towards Love and Good Deeds …” ~ Hebrews 10:24) …
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