Fruit of the Spirit – Day 1

Love

The word “love” is probably one of the most overused words in languages all over the world. It’s easily thrown around; however, it’s not easily understood. The type of love, or fruit, that God wants Christians to bear is agape love. Agape love isn’t an emotion; agape love is a choice. Jesus demonstrated this type of love over and over throughout the pages of the Bible. He daily chose us over Himself. He daily sacrificed and served, no matter how hard or inconvenient it may have been. This was His choice. The greatest form of agape love ever shown was the day Jesus whispered “Not My will, but Yours be done,” and sacrificed everything for us on an old rugged cross. This choice changed everything for everyone.

Whenever you read the description of love in Corinthians, it’s important to remember that this is agape love. These are choices, and with Jesus living within us, these choices become more evident with each day of growth in Him. These choices are oftentimes not natural for us, but they are natural for the Holy Spirit.

It’s a choice to be patient. It’s a choice to be kind. It’s a choice not to envy or brag. It’s a choice not to be proud or to be rude. It’s a choice to look out for others’ interests first. It’s a choice not to become angry. It’s a choice not to keep a record of wrongs. It’s a choice to be full of joy, to protect, to trust, and to hope. It’s a choice to never give up.

How can we truly exhibit this type of love? WE can’t, but God’s Spirit within us can. And as we draw closer and closer to Him, the more evident His love becomes in our life – which then spills over outwardly in our everyday doings.

1 John 4:7-8  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.