God ordained that His people do life together in a community called the church. Like the body, in His church every part of it is important, no part stands alone, all of the parts are to function together. He uses the nine qualities of a Christ-like relationships to describe what life in the Spirit is like. He calls them the Fruit of the Spirit. These nine qualities are found in Galatians 5:22–26.
Demonstrating love for one another usually doesn't require laying down your life. It can be as simple as making someone lunch, or mopping the kitchen floor, or washing someone's feet. Who knows what simple act of love might transform your community, family, neighborhood, or workplace.
God's Spirit living in us produces Christ-like qualities. Before you can offer this kind of love, you must receive it. Sometimes the hardest thing is to let someone love you. If you have never allowed Jesus Christ to love you, to wash away your sins through his death on the cross, that's where your journey begins. Those who have been washed are to invite the Holy Spirit to produce in you the fruit of His love.
Look for opportunities to love and be loved in order to love one another as Jesus has loved us.
Here Is the Love
Galatians 5:22-26
God ordained that his people do life together in a community called the church.
I. Fruit-Like Virtues
A. How these nine virtues are like fruit
There are different kinds of fruit.
Fruit is the natural outgrowth of a healthy plant.
Like fruit, these qualities are good for you.
B. Interpersonal qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit
These are inter-personal qualities for the community.
A relational problem prompted Paul to write this section in Galatians. Galatians 5:13
Community is about you, me, and the Spirit
II. Agape love
A. Jesus demonstrates this kind of love
Jesus washes the disciples’ feet on His final night with them.
It was an awkward and embarrassing moment and Peter protested.
Jesus taught Peter, unless you are willing…
a) To serve and to be served
b) To love and to be loved
c) You cannot be my disciple.
B. Defining Transforming Love
Agape love is acting in the interest of others.
Agape Love Transforms
Agape love can be shown as simple as washing someone's feet.
Challenge:
Begin your journey by allowing Jesus to love you, and to wash away your sins.
If you are washed, invite His Spirit to produce in you the fruit of love.
Look for opportunities to love and be loved
