Fruit of the Spirit: Love

Galatians 5:13-14, 22-23
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

When Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians, he wanted to make sure they understood that, as followers of Christ, they were free from slavery to sin. But he also wanted them to know that they weren’t free to do whatever they wanted. He reminded them that Jesus redeemed them so they might be blessed by receiving the Holy Spirit. And, because the Spirit was living in their hearts, they possessed Christ-like characteristics – The Fruit of the Spirit.

Notice that these characteristics are being words, not doing words. The Fruit of the Spirit isn’t a checklist to be accomplished, but a set of qualities endowed upon us by the Holy Spirit. And, this isn’t a “pick two” situation. We don’t get choose love and joy, for example, and decide that we’re just not good at patience. All of the qualities are produced by the Spirit, and the Spirit can help the fruit to grow in us. Some of the qualities may come more naturally for us, but, with the Spirit’s help, we can develop those that are more difficult. On the other hand, being leads to doing. As we mature in our faith, the Spirit changes who we are as people. And changed people do changed things.

This week let’s take a look at the Fruit of the Spirit and consider how God can use each of these qualities, exhibited in our lives, to bridge the gap between God and people and to change our world to be more Christ- centered and loving.

Love
Agape love, the selfless, sacrificial love for others as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, is the foundation for the fruit of the Spirit. It is the kind of love that transforms hearts and builds deep, meaningful relationships rooted in grace and compassion. As we grow in our relationship with God, the love of His spirit begins to manifest through our words and deeds. God is love and, when we grow in knowing the God of love, it becomes easier and more natural for us to love others. The more we know God, the more love will flow through our lives.

How can we cultivate the fruit of love? We can start by being more intentional about the way we treat others, prioritizing their needs, at home, work, or in our community. This isn’t always easy to do, but as we grow closer to God, it can become a lifestyle that inspires and uplifts those around us.

In her Maundy Thursday message, Rev. Dana asked us to remember the many ways in which Jesus has shown His love for us. Today let’s do that again and think about ways in which we can intentionally reflect His love to the world around us.

Sue Wallace