Loving WellSample

Loving Well

Love is the cornerstone of Christianity. 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). 

Love is a substantial part of our faith. As a Christian psychologist, I see love grow even in the most difficult circumstances. Love is such an important concept for us as believers and it’s imperative that we have an understanding of what love is and how to love—even when it may be difficult. Love is a choice, and through this plan you will learn how to love like Christ loves the church. 

Galatians 5:22-23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” 

Most of us who have been Christians for awhile have probably memorized this verse; however, have you ever really considered what it takes to grow a fruit? Have you ever thought in depth about the purpose and benefits of the fruit that grows after it has matured? If not, now is a great time to do so! 

In order to grow fruit, you first need to take a seed and put it into the ground. A unique perspective is that our bodies are the fertile soil that a seed (or weed) can be placed. Genesis 2:7 says, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground…”. We are the soil that love can be planted in.

There is a distinction in all of nature between the dirt and the seed. They are not the same by nature but work together as the seed matures.

Do seeds instantly become fruit without labor? Not at all. The seed must bust its own shell, live in a dark lightless place, push itself through the dirt, and keep pushing over time with light and water until it becomes a stalk and a tree. Then it needs to keep pushing to bear fruit. This is a lot of pushing, discomfort, pain, and eventual fruit that the seed and tree must endure before bearing fruit.

So, why does a tree do all this? The tree does not eat its own fruit. The tree’s fruit is for others to eat. Fruit is for others to taste. Fruit is for others to benefit; the very core idea is that love is for others. 

To be a successful, loving Christian, we have to go through seasons and experiences in order to grow. We need to keep feeding ourselves and be fed by the Holy Spirit through reading the Word of God, praying, and surrounding ourselves with a community of faith.

We have to keep pushing, being uncomfortable, and go where we have not gone before so others can glean from us: this fruit is called love. Loving well is in our DNA as believers in Christ Jesus.