Love is often mentioned among the fruit of the spirit passages as one of its main fruits. Love should be expressed both through action and willful choices when we come into contact with God.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because He is love”
– 1 John 4:8 NIV
Fruit takes on the characteristics of its tree; we do not normally see a pear tree bearing oranges or an apple tree bearing papayas, for instance. So too if we connect to God as love, which is our true vine, then we too must reflect His unconditional love in our own lives as He shows it through His character and love that surpasses anything that humans could possibly imagine or experience.
God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life
– John 3:16 (NIV)
There is no greater love shown to humanity than God sending His only Son Jesus Christ to die for us. This unmerited favor from the Lord is truly amazing as no good thing will ever be withheld from us! Can you imagine? God sent His only Son down here where He identified with humanity’s needs; living among men where He hungered, thirsted, and experienced heartaches… before giving the ultimate sacrifice by dying for our sins to save us from eternal damnation… and is still our advocate, brother, and friend today… Wow, what an incredible love!
God has shown us Agape love, which is selfless, selfless sacrifice, and unconditional. No matter what happens between now and eternity nothing will stop Him from loving us unconditionally.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor 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.
-1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Are you capable of showing your love to others? Absolutely, and certainly.
Love cannot be demonstrated solely on our own strength; when we submit ourselves to God and submit to His will, He can produce this love in us so that it may spread. Our world desperately needs this kind of love and each of us extends it by helping those in need regardless of status, color, creed, or any other distinguishing factor.
Dear friends, let us love one another because love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of Him and knows Him.
-1 John 4:7 (NIV)
Love overcomes hate; it doesn’t discriminate or have any seasons or biases. By surrendering yourself to the Holy Spirit, He will produce His love in you so you can spread it around. Love bears fruit. God has called each one of us to walk in it. My prayer for you today is that Jesus fills your heart with His love as He says:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples; by your love one for another”
– John 13:35
Return to the Fruit of the Spirit Introduction or explore another aspect:
