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Bearing the Fruit of Love
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The first of the Spiritual fruits mentioned in Galatians 5:22 is love. To bear the fruit of love is to display the very nature of God. Everyone wants to be loved, but love is much more than just a feeling. As far as the bible is concerned love is truly expressed by what you do.
As we can see the ten commandments given in the Old Testament were really laws to teach us to love God and our fellow man.
In Luke chapter 10, Jesus goes on to explain exactly who our neighbours are via the story of the good Samaritan. In those days the Samaritans and Jews were enemies, however according to Jesus' story, a Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem when he was attacked by bandits and left for dead. A Jewish priest and a Temple assistant passed by and saw him lying there but made no attempt to assist the man. It took a despised Samaritan to feel sorry for him and take care of him. He bandaged his wounds and took him to an inn and paid the inn keeper to continue to care for him (verses 30-35).
This is a classic demonstration of love for fellow man because despite the fact that these two people were supposed to be enemies, it did not deter the Samaritan from showing compassion. Jesus said it well in Matthew 5:43-46
Human nature does not allow one to love our enemies easily. It is a difficult task indeed. In order for anyone to show, feel or express this love - godly love - they must have God's Holy Spirit dwelling in them.
How do we receive God's Holy Spirit?
Our society now needs love and lots of it. As a matter of fact it was prophesied that in the last days, love would be sorely lacking:
There is no doubt that we are living in the last days. But those of us who are led by the Spirit of God can show our love despite what is happening in our troubled world. Let us continue to bear the fruit of love.
"the fruit of the Spirit is love..." Galatians 5:22
"Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." Matthew 7:12
What is taught in the law and the prophets? (Old Testament). According to Jesus:
"You must love the Lord your God with all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbour as yourself. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
As we can see the ten commandments given in the Old Testament were really laws to teach us to love God and our fellow man.
Love Your Enemies
In Luke chapter 10, Jesus goes on to explain exactly who our neighbours are via the story of the good Samaritan. In those days the Samaritans and Jews were enemies, however according to Jesus' story, a Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem when he was attacked by bandits and left for dead. A Jewish priest and a Temple assistant passed by and saw him lying there but made no attempt to assist the man. It took a despised Samaritan to feel sorry for him and take care of him. He bandaged his wounds and took him to an inn and paid the inn keeper to continue to care for him (verses 30-35).This is a classic demonstration of love for fellow man because despite the fact that these two people were supposed to be enemies, it did not deter the Samaritan from showing compassion. Jesus said it well in Matthew 5:43-46
"You have heard that the law of Moses says, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy'. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven... If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much." Matthew 5:43-46
Human nature does not allow one to love our enemies easily. It is a difficult task indeed. In order for anyone to show, feel or express this love - godly love - they must have God's Holy Spirit dwelling in them.
Be Baptized and Receive the Holy Spirit
How do we receive God's Holy Spirit? "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38
Our society now needs love and lots of it. As a matter of fact it was prophesied that in the last days, love would be sorely lacking:
"...in the last days there will be very difficult times, for people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents and ungrateful. They will slander others and have no self-control; they will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride and love pleasure rather than God." 2 Timothy 3:1-4.
There is no doubt that we are living in the last days. But those of us who are led by the Spirit of God can show our love despite what is happening in our troubled world. Let us continue to bear the fruit of love.
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance". I Cor. 13:4-7
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