Pastor Anita
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith (Galatians 5:22).
Observe that the verse above doesn’t say ‘’But the fruit of the spirit are…’’ rather, it’s specific. It says, ‘’the fruit of the spirit is love…,’’ letting you know that love is the dominant fruit of the recreated human spirit. Being born again, you’re born of God, who is love (1 John 4:8); therefore you have His love-nature, meaning it’s natural for you to walk in love. Our kingdom is a kingdom ruled by love.
1 John 3:14 says ‘’We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren, He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.’’ This verse brings in mind what Jesus said in John 13:35: ‘’By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one another.’’ The Master makes it clear that love is all that counts. Your expression of love for the Lord and those to whom Jesus died is proof that you’re indeed a child of God. Jesus said in John 14:15 ‘’If you love me, keep my words’’; and His word says to love and do good to all men, especially to those who are of the household of faith-your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:10).
Love, though not an outward sign, is demonstrated on the ourside; It’s got to be expressed: ‘’…let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but indeed and in truth’’ (1 John 3:18). Your maturity as a Christian is measured by your love-walk; the love of God that you express to others. The Bible says ‘’Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law’’ (Romans 13:8-10).
Oftentimes, people overlook what the Word says about love, not realizing love is the fulfillment of the law; It’s the principle by which we live in our kingdom. So you must let the love of God flow out through you at all times. Let your words, thoughts and actions be love-motivated, because only such receive God’s blessing and approval.
Prayer
Dear father, I’m glad that I belong to your glorious kingdom where love, righteousness and peace reign. I rejoice exceedingly for the great love with which you’ve loved me, and for teaching me to express your love that’s in my spirit to those around me. Thank you for perfecting your love in me, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Further Study
1 John 4:8-12; John 15:9
1 Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 8:22-39
Joshua 5-6
2 Year Bible Reading Plan:
Romans 1:16-32
Psalm 59-60
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