LOVE

The Fruit of the Spirit
LOVE

Love.

Before we go any further, we must define what love is. To figure that out, it’s easiest to first find out what love isn’t. Love isn’t a feeling.

When Paul lists love as one of the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians, he isn’t talking about that feeling you have towards your children or spouse. He isn’t talking about the emotions you feel towards football or your favorite foods. We say all the time, “Oh, I love _____.” But it isn’t love we’re feeling towards these things, or people.

Love isn’t a feeling. It’s an action.

And the greatest act of love was shown when Jesus laid down His life for His children. That is love.
Are you loving your spouse? Are you loving your children  or siblings? Since we’ve already discussed how love isn’t a feeling, then how can we make sure we’re loving each other as God is commanding us too? You can’t just “love” someone without taking action. That wouldn’t be true love.
So what is true love?

First, we’re going to look at the world's definition of love, and then we’re going to look at Christ’s.

The World’s definition:

Christ’s definition:

What a stark contrast between the two! Which one would you rather be shown? Just the definition with feeling, or the one with action?
Now, since we’ve covered what it means to actually love, how do we make sure we’re loving each other as Christ loves us?  
 
Here are five battle tested ways to turn your love into action.

        1. Show kindness to everyone around you.
​This can mean just stepping aside and letting someone else go first in line, or showing a generous amount of consideration for someone else’s feelings or needs.

        2. Don’t be envious of others.
We must always rejoice with those who succeed. We shouldn’t be jealous of them or hardhearted because they are succeeding and we’re not.

        3. Don’t behave rudely.
We must hold our tongues and keep from slandering others with our words or actions.

        4. Don’t seek your own.
We should always want the best for other people. We should be willing to hand over the last slice of cake, or give up the comfiest chair. We shouldn’t make the plans revolve around us without thinking of other people.

​        5. Do not be easily provoked, or rejoice in other’s iniquity.
We shouldn’t always be right on the edge, ready to strike at those who do us harm. We should be tenderhearted and have thick skin, not being easily irritated. When others fall, we shouldn’t rejoice. That’s what the devil does. When others are being punished because of something they did wrong, we should feel badly for them.
 
As we go about our week, let’s take a moment to show love towards someone. Let’s turn our love into action.
 
And let us all remember:
God loved us SO much that He sent His Only Son to die for us so that we might live with Him in Heaven for eternity. Jesus loved us SO much that He gave His life so that we might be saved from the coming destruction.

 What an immeasurable amount of love! And we’ve done absolutely nothing to deserve it.  
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With humble hearts, let’s all strive to become more like Christ and let’s start by taking these things to heart and truly loving one another. ​