"But the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit,[the work which His presence within accomplishes] -- is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness; (meekness, humility) gentleness, self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such there is no law [that can bring a charge]." Galations 5:22,23 Amplified Bible
The book of Galations was written by Paul during his first
missionary journey, during which he spent two years in the
Galation locale preaching and teaching the Gospel. This letter
is believed to have been written in 49 A.D., although some
historians place it between 53 and 56 A.D. Paul began his
ministry after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus
in 42 A.D. His three missionary journeys totalled nine years. His
Roman imprisonments began in 60 A.D., and he was beheaded
in 68 A.D.
It seems that some "judaisers" -- that is, those who thought
that one had not only to believe in the saving grace of Jesus
Christ to be saved, but also follow the Mosaic Law and undergo
circumcision -- had infiltrated the Church at Galatia with this
teaching, thus putting them into the bondage of a Gospel of works rather than simply salvation by grace. When one is truly a follower or Jesus Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit produces the fruits of a life lived in righteousness.
The first church council, of which Paul was a participant, was held in Jerusalem after Paul's first missionary journey to settle the matter. He then writes to the Galatians,"For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love." Galations, 5:6, Amplified Bible. He tells them to be led only by the Spirit in how they live; to put off the sinful nature and let the Holy Spirit produce fruits of righteousness in their lives.
LOVE. The first of these fruits is love. The Greek word used here for "love" is agape, which means divine love."(It is) a strong, ardent, tender, compassionate devotion to the well-being of someone." Dake's, New Testament, May 1983 edition, p.206, col.1, note c1.
Both here and in the well-known "love" chapter in 1Corinthians, chapter 13, Paul tells us that this kind of love has 9 ingredients:
" 1. Patience - love passive: no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes and endures all things (v, 4, 7) 2. Kindness - love in action: never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud ( v 9)
3. Generosity - love in competition: not envious or jealous (v 4)
4. Humility - love in hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires (v 4)
5. Courtesy - love in society: does not behave unseemly: always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous (v 5)
6. Unselfishness: love in essence: never selfish, sour or bitter; seeks only good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge ( v 6)
7. Good temper - love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful (v 5)
8. Righteousness - love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring (v 6-7)
9. Sincerity - love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present"
Dake's,New Testament, May 1983 edition, p.186, col. 1, note g.
Our fallen natures will often fail here, but as we grow in sanctification by the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, it becomes more and more natural to feel this way towards others.