“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 NASB
Grace Perspective:
It’s summer and a great time to pick fresh fruit, so for the next few weeks, we’re going to take time to study the fruit of the Spirit. God produces this sweet fruit through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We simply need to give Him full access to every part of our hearts.
Love is the first section of this heavenly fruit we’ll bite into. The Greek word used for love in this passage is agape and describes God’s deep and abiding affection for His children. It is the unselfish love that Christ modeled for us on the cross, love that chose to bear the pain and penalty for our sin. This gracious love redeems, restores, and binds us to the Savior forever.
A Touch of Grace:
How do you see Christ’s love for you?
How is love expressed in your life?
Grace Application:
In this passage, the apostle Paul describes one fruit but separates it into nine parts. He starts with love, the sweetest blossom, and the strongest portion of this fruit. God shows the strength of His love as He “.. is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) He calls us to repent and trust His love to transform our hearts.
Let’s be honest, though, love isn’t always easy, nor does it always feel good. Often love means laying aside our own needs and desires to help others. It means holding back a snippy remark when someone irritates you. It means having hard conversations that are painful but necessary. It means forgiving others, even when they wound you deeply. Agape love is pure and seeks the best for others. It means trusting that in Christ Jesus we are loved purposely, perfectly, and permanently. Let the Holy Spirit dig deep into your heart, making room for love to grow so that joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control blossom and bear gracious fruit.
Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to You In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful for the Holy Spirit Who lives in me. Search my heart and uproot anything that is keeping Your gracious fruit from growing. I confess that I am often unloving and selfish, which is the rotten fruit of my flesh. Forgive me and help me to abide in Your love so that I bear fruit for You. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**