Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is Love…."
The Bible defines love in a myriad of breathtaking ways. In the beautiful verses of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, love takes on a life of its own:
"Love is patient and kind; Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
Here, love unfolds as a living tapestry, intricately woven with threads of compassion and selflessness. It is a love that surpasses mere emotion, encompassing every aspect of our lives. It whispers, beckoning us to a lifestyle of servanthood and care, reminding us that everyone is welcome at its table.
True biblical love is not a fleeting sentiment but a relentless commitment to others. It stands firmly against envy and boasts not of its own accomplishments. It bows humbly, refusing to be swayed by arrogance or rudeness. Love does not demand its own way but listens with an open heart, seeking to understand and embrace others.
Love is a sanctuary of peace, avoiding irritability and resentment and refusing to revel in the misfortunes of others. Instead, it rejoices in truth, celebrating honesty and authenticity. Love bears the weight of every trial, believes in the potential of every soul, and clings to hope even in the darkest moments. It endures, unwavering and steadfast, lighting the way through life's tumultuous storms.
As scripture describes, this love flows from a supernatural source—the very character of God Himself. It is a fruit of the Spirit, a divine expression of God's nature alive within us. When we nurture a relationship with our Creator and surrender to the Holy Spirit's transformative power, we become vessels of this LOVE.
Let me paint three short vivid pictures of love for you. I encourage you to imagine yourself in these scriptures. Feel the words flow through your soul as you take in the fullness of God’s love.
Jesus' Love for His Disciples (John 13:34-35)
Imagine yourself walking dusty paths with Jesus and His disciples, feeling the sun's warmth on your face and the gentle breeze rustling through your hair. As the disciples gather around their teacher, their eyes meet His, and they are captivated by an unmistakable radiance—a love that knows no bounds. With a voice that resonates with authority and tenderness, Jesus imparts a profound commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you." In His gaze, you witness a love so pure and selfless that it stirs the depths of your being. It's a love that transforms hearts and forever links those who embrace it in a bond of unwavering devotion.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Envision a humble home surrounded by golden fields and a father standing on a porch, his eyes scanning the horizon with a mixture of longing and hope. In the distance, a solitary figure emerges—a prodigal son, worn and weary from a life of recklessness and regret. With every faltering step, his heart pounds, uncertain of his reception. Yet as he draws nearer, the father's love surpasses all expectations. Running toward his wayward child, he embraces him with arms that had yearned for this moment. Tears of joy mingle with the dust on their cheeks as forgiveness and unconditional love flow abundantly. It is a love that shatters the chains of past mistakes and restores broken souls, teaching us that redemption and second chances are woven into the very fabric of love.
Jesus' Love on the Cross (Matthew 27:27-56)
Imagine a hill draped in sorrow and agony, where three crosses stand against a crimson-streaked sky. The air is heavy with grief, and a crowd lingers in confusion, despair, and awe. Amidst this haunting scene, Jesus, battered and bruised, His eyes meet yours, reflecting a love so immense that it reverberates through time and space. With every agonizing breath, He bears the weight of humanity's sins, pouring out His lifeblood to reconcile a broken world. You witness love in its purest form in this moment of indescribable sacrifice. It is a love that transcends pain and endures till the very end. As Jesus breathes His last, the earth trembles and darkness descends, but within the depths of that darkness, Jesus will rise from the tomb three days later. The power of love triumphs over death itself, and in that victorious act, Jesus offers humanity the greatest gift—salvation, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. His love on the cross becomes a beacon, forever guiding hearts to embrace a love that can never be extinguished.
Your Love
Open your heart to the fullness of God's LOVE, allowing it to flow through you and touch the lives of others. May you be a vessel of LOVE, displaying its beauty and power in every relationship, every interaction, and every moment of your life. For LOVE truly defined is Jesus Himself, the embodiment of divine LOVE, beckoning you to follow in His footsteps and experience LOVE'S transformative and everlasting power.
Do you feel his love? Do you know his love?
God, Jesus, and the Spirit love you!
Give that love to someone else.
Love yourself and love others big!