The ancient writer had a pretty good idea, as if he was directly addressing my desire to get things out of my heart that can’t go to heaven with me. The first fruit of the Spirit is love. If I fill my mind with love, it will probably go a long way toward getting things out of heart that don’t belong.

What does it mean to fill my heart with love? Maybe it would help to understand what love is. And that is the $64 question in our culture. Love is credited with a lot of good and not so good things. Contrary to popular belief, choices made because of love can bring life happiness – but such choices, even in the name of love, can bring about devastation. Take a look or listen around.

Another ancient writer defines love as Jesus laying down his life for us. He goes on to say we should lay down our lives for others. Love is much more than an abstract notion or feeling, it is demonstrated in sacrifice for others. My life journey the last 3 ½ years has convinced me that there are people everywhere who are sacrificial and caring – it just isn’t always noticed.

Practically speaking, how do I fill my mind with love – to help me get rid of things that can’t go to heaven with me? How many weddings have you been to that don’t refer to the same author of the fruits of the Spirit with these phrases?

Love is patient.

Love is kind.

It does not envy.

It does not boast.

It is not proud.

It is not rude.

It is not self-seeking.

It is not easily angered.

It keeps no record of wrong.

It rejoices with the truth.

It protects.

It trusts.

It hopes.

It perseveres.

We’ll… that’s quite a list to work on and probably keeping no records of wrong would really help with filling my heart with love. If I stay busy doing the things on this list, it won’t leave much if any time for other stuff.

What should I do with all this? I did what cool people do, I guess, and asked AI how to choose love over reactivity in our fast paced world. It offered these suggestions for making small, intentional shifts throughout the day.

1. Build Gentle Micro-Pauses Into Daily Transitions. A quick breath when moving from one room to another or when rushed or irritated. Ask yourself, how can I bring peace to this space?

2. Consume Loving & Grounding Content. This one’s going to be painful. Save emails and the news for later and start the day or end the day before sleep with uplifting literature, conversation, or texts that emphasize compassion.

3. Practice Mental Well-Wishing (Silent Blessings). In your mind bless the person who cuts you off in traffic or won’t go on green with a mental… Just like me, they are stressed, tired, or trying their best. Wish random strangers well in your mind. Choose this over the stereotyping so prevalent in every area of culture.

4. Reframe Demands as Opportunities for Connection. Try to reframe frustrating internal dialogue to cultivate gratitude instead of resentment. When interrupted, make eye contact and give them 10 seconds, with a kind response and offer to talk with them later. Make it matter.

5. Practice End-of-Day Self-Compassion. We will occasionally react wrongly especially when stressed. Remember that the Big Guy who authored forgiveness meant it for us too. Take little steps like – noting one, just one instance where you responded as you should. This makes it easier to repeat. It also makes an excellent journal entry to reflect on later.