But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
The Bible compares people to fruit-producing trees. Jesus taught that all people bear fruit in their lives - either good or bad - and this fruit reveals the true condition of their souls. Those who remain lost in sin and iniquity apart from Christ will consistently bear bad fruit, while those who have been born again by the saving grace of God will consistently bear good fruit.
The good fruit that comes forth in the life of God’s children is known as “The Fruit of the Spirit”. It is supernaturally produced by the power of the Holy Spirit working in the life of the believer. As Christians submit themselves to the leading of the Spirit, this fruit is developed, blossoms, and becomes manifest in their lives. Those who bear the fruit of the Spirit display Christ-like character.
The Fruit of the Spirit is made up of 9 different attributes, or “nutrients”. Though each of these attributes are distinct, all of them function together as a whole to make up the single fruit. Thus, though we will discuss them separately in this series, they should be thought of collectively. The first and most prominent of these nutrients is love.
I. LOVE DEFINED
The word “love” carries a very broad meaning in English, but in the ancient Greek language it had 4 specific variations. “Eros” was used to describe sensual or romantic love, as expressed in a passionate physical relationship between lovers. “Storge” referred to familial love, such as that expressed between a parent and child. “Phileo” was used to describe the brotherly love that unites a group of people together (usually Christians). “Agape” referred to God’s sacrificial love for mankind.
The character trait included in the fruit of the Spirit is “agape” love. It can be thought of as a love that “seeks the highest good of others.” It is not based on feelings or emotions, but rather is a conscious decision to be committed to the well-being of others regardless of costs or circumstances. It is an unconditional and constant love, given without demand, that isn’t earned or merited.
Simply put, God loves humanity because He chooses to. Though we certainly do things that disappoint, frustrate, hurt, and anger Him, still His love for us remains unwavering and steadfast. His greatest desire is that we live abundant and prosperous lives, walking in close fellowship with Him, and becoming all that He has created us to be. To this end, He has sacrificed greatly on our behalf though we have done nothing to deserve it.
II. LOVE EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
God’s love for humanity is demonstrated in countless ways. He created us, sustains us, provides for us, leads us, and protects us. But the greatest expression of God’s love for mankind is found in His Son, Jesus Christ. Though humanity disobeyed God, rebelled against Him, acted unfaithfully toward Him, and were separated from Him by their own sinfulness and corruption, the LORD lovingly determined to redeem, restore, and reconcile them to Himself (Romans 5:6-8).
So, in keeping with His divine plan to rescue fallen humanity, God sent His only Son Jesus Christ into the world to offer His life as a substitute for sinners. Though He was completely perfect and without sin, Jesus voluntarily took upon Himself the judgment and consequences that we as sinners are due. He bore the full weight of humanity’s sin while hanging on the cross of Calvary and died the death we deserved, once for all. Jesus' sacrificial death paid the full price for man’s sin, satisfied God’s just legal requirements, and forever appeased His divine wrath.
Now, through the finished work of Jesus Christ, anyone who places their faith in Him as Lord and Savior will be saved (John 3:16). Their sins will be forgiven, washed away by the shed blood of Christ, and they will be made righteous in God’s sight. They will be freed from death and given the promise of eternal life. This amazing gift of salvation is totally undeserved and can not be bought or earned, yet is freely given by God through Christ to all who repent of their sin and turn to Him.
Jesus taught that the greatest act of love is to give one’s life for another (John 15:12-14). This is exactly what He did for us, even as we despised Him and railed against Him. He set the highest and most perfect standard. Jesus is the supreme expression of God’s agape love for humanity, and serves as the premiere example of what true love really is.
III. LOVE COMMANDED
Following the model set by Jesus, we as believers are commanded to show this same level of agape love to both God and our fellow man. The first and greatest commandment is that we love the LORD with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. The second commandment is like it - that we love our neighbors as ourselves. These 2 commandments encompass all the teachings of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:37-40).
Love comes from God - for God is love. Therefore, those who have been born of God exhibit His love. On the contrary, those who have not been born of God do not exhibit His love. Because God first loved us, and sent His Son to die in our place, we also ought to love another. Though people are unable to see God physically with their own eyes, they can see evidence of His existence as they see His love on display within the lives of His children (1 John 4:7-12).
Jesus commanded His followers to love one another even as He loved them. In other words, we are to love people as God loves them, unconditionally and without expectation of recompense. This abiding love extends to our friends, neighbors, acquaintances, enemies, and even total strangers. The love we show others serves as the greatest proof that we are His disciples (John 13:34-35).
CONCLUSION
God’s love is always rooted in truth. Though He loves sinners, He despises sin. God loves and accepts as we are, but He doesn’t leave us that way. He makes us into new creations and increasingly conforms us into the image of Jesus. If we are to exhibit God's love, then we will keep His commandments and live in obedience to His will and word (John 14:15, 21). We will graciously encourage others to do likewise. God’s unconditional love is not a license to sin, but rather a motivation to live righteously.
In summation, love is the greatest virtue. It is the first and foremost attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit. If we are to model Christlikeness, and to put His image on display in and through our lives, it must begin with love. Apart from love, we are nothing and all of our talents, gifts, and abilities become meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Love is the foundational nutrient in the Fruit of the Spirit, as it undergirds all of the others.
May we all learn to love as God loves, and to practice this caliber of love in all of our relationships. I hope that you will join us next week, as we discuss the second component of the Fruit of the Spirit - joy. Until then, may God richly bless you.
The Bible compares people to fruit-producing trees. Jesus taught that all people bear fruit in their lives - either good or bad - and this fruit reveals the true condition of their souls. Those who remain lost in sin and iniquity apart from Christ will consistently bear bad fruit, while those who have been born again by the saving grace of God will consistently bear good fruit.
The good fruit that comes forth in the life of God’s children is known as “The Fruit of the Spirit”. It is supernaturally produced by the power of the Holy Spirit working in the life of the believer. As Christians submit themselves to the leading of the Spirit, this fruit is developed, blossoms, and becomes manifest in their lives. Those who bear the fruit of the Spirit display Christ-like character.
The Fruit of the Spirit is made up of 9 different attributes, or “nutrients”. Though each of these attributes are distinct, all of them function together as a whole to make up the single fruit. Thus, though we will discuss them separately in this series, they should be thought of collectively. The first and most prominent of these nutrients is love.
I. LOVE DEFINED
The word “love” carries a very broad meaning in English, but in the ancient Greek language it had 4 specific variations. “Eros” was used to describe sensual or romantic love, as expressed in a passionate physical relationship between lovers. “Storge” referred to familial love, such as that expressed between a parent and child. “Phileo” was used to describe the brotherly love that unites a group of people together (usually Christians). “Agape” referred to God’s sacrificial love for mankind.
The character trait included in the fruit of the Spirit is “agape” love. It can be thought of as a love that “seeks the highest good of others.” It is not based on feelings or emotions, but rather is a conscious decision to be committed to the well-being of others regardless of costs or circumstances. It is an unconditional and constant love, given without demand, that isn’t earned or merited.
Simply put, God loves humanity because He chooses to. Though we certainly do things that disappoint, frustrate, hurt, and anger Him, still His love for us remains unwavering and steadfast. His greatest desire is that we live abundant and prosperous lives, walking in close fellowship with Him, and becoming all that He has created us to be. To this end, He has sacrificed greatly on our behalf though we have done nothing to deserve it.
II. LOVE EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
God’s love for humanity is demonstrated in countless ways. He created us, sustains us, provides for us, leads us, and protects us. But the greatest expression of God’s love for mankind is found in His Son, Jesus Christ. Though humanity disobeyed God, rebelled against Him, acted unfaithfully toward Him, and were separated from Him by their own sinfulness and corruption, the LORD lovingly determined to redeem, restore, and reconcile them to Himself (Romans 5:6-8).
So, in keeping with His divine plan to rescue fallen humanity, God sent His only Son Jesus Christ into the world to offer His life as a substitute for sinners. Though He was completely perfect and without sin, Jesus voluntarily took upon Himself the judgment and consequences that we as sinners are due. He bore the full weight of humanity’s sin while hanging on the cross of Calvary and died the death we deserved, once for all. Jesus' sacrificial death paid the full price for man’s sin, satisfied God’s just legal requirements, and forever appeased His divine wrath.
Now, through the finished work of Jesus Christ, anyone who places their faith in Him as Lord and Savior will be saved (John 3:16). Their sins will be forgiven, washed away by the shed blood of Christ, and they will be made righteous in God’s sight. They will be freed from death and given the promise of eternal life. This amazing gift of salvation is totally undeserved and can not be bought or earned, yet is freely given by God through Christ to all who repent of their sin and turn to Him.
Jesus taught that the greatest act of love is to give one’s life for another (John 15:12-14). This is exactly what He did for us, even as we despised Him and railed against Him. He set the highest and most perfect standard. Jesus is the supreme expression of God’s agape love for humanity, and serves as the premiere example of what true love really is.
III. LOVE COMMANDED
Following the model set by Jesus, we as believers are commanded to show this same level of agape love to both God and our fellow man. The first and greatest commandment is that we love the LORD with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. The second commandment is like it - that we love our neighbors as ourselves. These 2 commandments encompass all the teachings of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:37-40).
Love comes from God - for God is love. Therefore, those who have been born of God exhibit His love. On the contrary, those who have not been born of God do not exhibit His love. Because God first loved us, and sent His Son to die in our place, we also ought to love another. Though people are unable to see God physically with their own eyes, they can see evidence of His existence as they see His love on display within the lives of His children (1 John 4:7-12).
Jesus commanded His followers to love one another even as He loved them. In other words, we are to love people as God loves them, unconditionally and without expectation of recompense. This abiding love extends to our friends, neighbors, acquaintances, enemies, and even total strangers. The love we show others serves as the greatest proof that we are His disciples (John 13:34-35).
CONCLUSION
God’s love is always rooted in truth. Though He loves sinners, He despises sin. God loves and accepts as we are, but He doesn’t leave us that way. He makes us into new creations and increasingly conforms us into the image of Jesus. If we are to exhibit God's love, then we will keep His commandments and live in obedience to His will and word (John 14:15, 21). We will graciously encourage others to do likewise. God’s unconditional love is not a license to sin, but rather a motivation to live righteously.
In summation, love is the greatest virtue. It is the first and foremost attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit. If we are to model Christlikeness, and to put His image on display in and through our lives, it must begin with love. Apart from love, we are nothing and all of our talents, gifts, and abilities become meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Love is the foundational nutrient in the Fruit of the Spirit, as it undergirds all of the others.
May we all learn to love as God loves, and to practice this caliber of love in all of our relationships. I hope that you will join us next week, as we discuss the second component of the Fruit of the Spirit - joy. Until then, may God richly bless you.