THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE

Beloved, let us love one another: for LOVE IS OF GOD; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for GOD IS LOVE – 1 John 4:7-8

“But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE…” (Gal.5:22). All the traits of the Fruit of the Spirit are held in place by Love – agape – the God-kind of Love. Agape Love is the high esteem which God has for His children and the deep affection which we, in turn, should have for Him and other people. It is the unselfish, self-sacrificing, Christ-like, loyal and benevolent concern for the well-being of another. It is the foundation of all other graces. This spontaneous, divine love is a compassionate, ardent, yet tender, devotion to the well-being of another. Love is more eternal than any gift because “Love is of God” and “God is Love”!

God places a high premium on the need for every of His children to learn how to love Him, love ourselves, love one another, and even go as far as to love our enemies: “But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Mt. 5:44). Loving God and other people are the most important commandments; “On these two hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Mt.22:37-40). How do you love your neighbour? First, you must learn to receive God’s love for yourself. Until then, you can’t truly love anyone else.

Natural human beings are however extremely limited in the ability to love God or one another. This is why it is important for us to stay connected to the Vine and walk intimately with the Holy Spirit. Then, the Fruit of the Spirit will supernaturally manifest in and through us. Love is visible in actions, but it is rooted in heart-attitude and motivational. You may do all the right things, but your motivation could be wrong. God is not only concerned about what you do; but particularly about the attitude and motivation of your heart. Our love should not be “as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts” (1The.2:4).

God loves you so much. He wants you to receive and experience that love in the deepest recess of your being. As you pray and ask Him to help you become a person who walks in love, and devotedly study His Word on ‘Love’ with a willing mind of obedience, you’ll gradually see the seed of love in you blossom in degrees into a bountiful harvest of the Fruit of Love. Focus on learning to love as Jesus loves, and all the other fruit of the Spirit will follow. Love is more than feelings. It is active, dynamic, and intense. Don’t wait until you “feel” love; get up, go out and by grace, begin to love on purpose!