But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Spirit Fruit – Love

The foundation of humanity has always been the essence of love. Creation was established through love as the Creator formed the perfect union of a man and woman for His glory. Adam immediately recognized the beauty of the creation before him when God brought the woman to him. He knew she would be a part of him as the union of their souls was united in the bond of marriage. Love was in its infancy, but it would fuel the relationships of humanity and the bond between God and man. Sin destroyed the nature of love as designed by God. Through the word of God, love can find its divine worth to rekindle the need of love for God, love for a spouse, and love for others.

Love is a multifaceted and complex word defined in many ways but at its root it means to have an affection for and show goodwill. The nature of love is essential to the human soul. Developing love becomes how relationships are made and kept. Central the character of love is to never seek anything but the highest good for another. True love removes selfishness, exalting the needs of others above self. Many parts of love come naturally, but more complex avenues of love must be learned.

The Holy Spirit is a blessing given to every Christian when they obey the gospel of Christ. Every disciple enjoys the gift of the Holy Spirit and enjoys all the blessings received from the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is the character of righteousness produced within the godly spirit by the influence of the Spirit of God. Foremost in the fruit of Spirit is love. It does not seem to be a coincidence that when Paul defines the fruits of the Spirit, it begins with love. Walking in the Spirit and being led by the Spirit starts with love. The other fruits of the Spirit come from the foundation of love.

What is unique about love is that while it is an amazing feeling and experience, it can only be known from the action it prompts. God loved the world, but He showed His love by sending Jesus to die for all men. If a man tells his wife he loves her but never shows it; love is vain. Love is defined by the manner it expresses itself to another. The Bible is full of examples of God’s love for man. The Lord wants men to love Him, which is found when God’s commands are kept. Throughout scripture, the Lord admonishes His people to show their love by obeying His word. The Christian’s love is expressed in obedience.

The disciple of Christ must show their love for God and His Son, Jesus Christ, with something more than lip service. Loving others is a part of the character of the Christian, including loving enemies. Husbands and wives are to love one another as God designed the home, including loving the children. Loving others takes courage and faith. This kind of love does not come automatically and without effort. The fruit of the Spirit is where the more profound kind of love comes from. Without spending time in the word of the Spirit (the Bible), love will not be defined. If love is a fruit of the Spirit, love must come from the Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches in His Word the divine will of love, and as the Spirit leads a man, he will find the fruit of love expressed in his life. Finding the fruit of the Spirit in love will remove the guilt of sin, depression of the soul, prejudice of others, the anxiety of the present, and fill the heart with great confidence and courage.

There is a great need for the people of God to get into the fruit of the Spirit and begin each day with love. Jesus taught in the mountain sermon the test of one’s character is the fruit he bears. The person of God is a person whose heart is directed by love. It must be the beginning. Everything that follows must be fused with a love for God and others. When the fruit of the Spirit is living and active in the life of a Christian, they will bear fruits of love in their lives. Let the Spirit lead with love.