Love

Our list begins with love. 

Why does love come first?

Those who construct houses in Southern California have discovered that buildings survive earthquakes only when they are bolted several feet down into solid rock. 

Otherwise, they simply slide off their foundation and collapse.

The foundation of our relationship with God and others is love—his for us and ours for them.

The Unconditional Love Of God

When Paul wrote of the fruit of the Spirit, "love" translates agape, which refers to unconditional acceptance, the commitment to put the other person first regardless of circumstances or challenges. 

It contrasts in the New Testament with phileo, friendship love, and eros, erotic or sexual love. 

To choose agape is to love other people regardless of how they treat you. 

It is to choose others’ best regardless of the cost to you. 

It is to love them as Jesus loves you.

As a Christian, you must do what is needed to become the change you wish to see. You cannot control what others do, but you can control your words and actions and the values they reflect. 

You can use your influence for biblical morality, but only if you are a person others are willing to follow. 

We shouldn’t expect unbelievers to care about our biblical position if we do not exhibit biblical character. The fruit of the Spirit best exemplifies such character.

Our Father can produce such character in us only to the degree that we submit to His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and seek to be more like his Son (Romans 8:29). 

For our fallen culture to seek Jesus, it needs to see Jesus—and the unconditional love of God—in you.

More today than yesterday, and more tomorrow than today.

Do you agree?

Apply the lesson

• Why do you think love is listed as the first manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit?
• Why is love one quality of a civil person? Put another way: How does love cause an uncivil person to react?
• Recall an instance where you received agape love. Remember a time when you gave agape love. Why are such instances rare? How can you allow God to manifest that kind of love more often in your life?
• Call to mind a person to whom you have lately not been loving. How might you show them love this week?
• Pray that God would open your eyes to be more loving.