LOVE - Fruit of the Spirit

 “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

           In today’s world ‘Love’ has a very broader meaning. But the Bible talks very precisely about the ‘agape’ which is the unconditional love of God. Love is the greatest gift one can receive from God. God given love is far beyond our understanding. We are all saved, only by God’s love for us. 

          In the same manner God loves us, He expects us to love one another. In the gospel of John 15:12, Jesus says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus showed His love not only to His disciples or the righteous people, but to all mankind including sinners and the sick and the oppressed. By exhibiting this kind of unconditional limitless Christly Love to others, they will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). We are called to do what Jesus has already began in this world- to love. So, what is to love? Paul beautifully writes in 1 Corinthians 13, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking..... it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails.” 

            Are we able to love others in the way God loves us? Are we able to give up our pride, position and ego to extend God’s love to this world? These are very serious questions to ask our self. Because in Romans 8:32 we read, God did not spare His Own Son in order to demonstrate His selfless love for humanity. How much more are we? We need to let go of our self and let the Holy Spirit help us to love; for it is not possible by our striving and straining, but only by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a great responsibility laid on each of us, believers in Christ, to love one another as Jesus did. Let God help us to be conduits of His love. Amen!