Robert Griffith | 2 February 2025
Robert Griffith
2 February 2025

 

As we embark on this series exploring the fruit of the Spirit, we begin with the cornerstone of all virtues: love. Love is the first aspect mentioned, and for good reason.

Jesus himself declared that love is the greatest commandment:

Matthew 22:37-39  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Love is central to who God is and what He calls His people to be.

Love: A Divine Characteristic

The Bible teaches us that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Love isn’t merely something God does; it’s who He is. When the Holy Spirit works within us to produce the fruit of love, we are reflecting God’s character. This love isn’t fleeting or dependent on circumstances; it’s sacrificial, enduring, and unconditional – just as God demonstrated through Jesus Christ.

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

This verse encapsulates the sacrificial nature of God’s love. It’s a love that gives without expecting anything in return, a love that seeks the best for others even at great personal cost.

Living Out Love

The Apostle Paul describes what this love looks like in action:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7  “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

This passage challenges us to go beyond superficial affection and embrace a love that is selfless and transformative. Loving others as Christ loved us requires humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to serve. It means loving not just when it’s convenient or reciprocated but even when it’s difficult.

The Power of the Spirit

How can we possibly love in such a radical way? The answer lies in the Holy Spirit. In our own strength, our love often falls short, limited by selfishness, pride, or fear. But the Spirit empowers us to love with God’s love.

Romans 5:5  “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

As we yield to the Spirit’s work in our lives, we become vessels of divine love. This love overflows into our relationships, drawing others to the God who is love. It enables us to forgive those who hurt us, to serve those in need, and to build bridges in a world divided by hatred and fear.

A Call to Love

The fruit of love is both a gift and a calling. Let’s ask God to fill our hearts with His love so that we can reflect His character in all we do. As we cultivate this fruit, we participate in God’s mission to bring His love to a broken world.

What would it look like for you to live out the fruit of love this week? Perhaps it’s reaching out to someone who feels forgotten, forgiving a long-held grudge, or simply being present with a hurting friend. Whatever it is, let love be your motivation and guide.

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