Colossians 3:14

and above all these things, the love, which is [a] bond of maturity (Colossians 3:14).

It is our love for God, expressed through loving other Christians, that holds us together (1 John 4:20). Mature love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). This bond of love demonstrates maturity among the saints. God’s quality of love is not based on feelings; it is the type of love that seeks the best for other saints. It is kind, does not envy, does not parade itself, and is not puffed up. Love does not behave unbecomingly, does not seek its own, is not provoked, and does not attribute wrong to another. It does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes concerning all things, and endures all things, for love never falls.

The only way we can express this kind of love is to be filled where we lack by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Human nature is not capable of expressing God’s quality of love; however, since the Holy Spirit indwells the grace believer, He produces these desires in us and trains us to abide in Christ in all situations, always seeking what is best for the saints. Those who learn to walk in this manner are mature.