In a world where the word “love is often tossed around carelessly, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on what true love really means, especially from a spiritual perspective. The Bible offers profound insights into the nature of love as a “fruit of the Spirit,” challenging us to embrace love far beyond mere feelings or self-interest.
At its core, the love described in Scripture is not just an emotion, but a choice—a decision of faith to act in accordance with God’s will and word. This love is other-regarding, valuing and esteeming others above oneself. It starkly contrasts the self-centered nature of “the flesh,” which naturally gravitates towards selfishness and self-promotion.
In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul introduces “love” as the first and foremost “fruit of the Spirit.” This isn’t coincidental. Love is preeminent among spiritual virtues, described in 1 Corinthians 13 as greater than faith and hope. But what does this love look like in practice?
To understand God’s love, we must look to its ultimate example: Jesus Christ. John 17:26 reveals how Jesus declared the Father’s name to his disciples, manifesting God’s love to them. This love reached its pinnacle when Christ, while we were still sinners and enemies of God, died for us (Rom. 5:8). It’s a love that values the interests and well-being of others above one’s own, even to the point of ultimate sacrifice.
Interestingly, this kind of love doesn’t come naturally to us. It’s something we must be taught, as Paul mentions in 1 Thessalonians 4:9. God Himself teaches us to love one another, and this love is demonstrated through tangible actions, not just words or feelings.
The characteristics of Godly love (“charity”) are beautifully outlined in 1 Corinthians 13. This passage outlines what “charity” is “not” and “doth not” in a negative sense in contradistinction with what charity “is” and “does” in a positive sense. In a negative sense, “charity” does not behave in the following manner: “. . . charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity . . .” (I Cor. 13:4-6). In a positive sense, “Charity suffereth long . . . rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth” (I Cor. 13:4a, 7-8). This description serves as both an inspiration and a mirror, showing us the heights of love we’re called to and revealing how far short we often fall. It’s a reminder that love is not just about feelings but about consistent actions and attitudes that put others first.
Contrast this with the fleeting nature of worldly love, often based on what one can get rather than what one can give. God’s love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost (Rom. 5:5), is enduring, and unconditional. It’s not rescinded when we fall short or make mistakes. Instead, it “suffereth long” and “endureth all things.”
This divine love is meant to be the motivator for our actions, particularly in how we serve one another. Galatians 5:13 exhorts us to use our freedom in Christ not as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but as a platform to serve others through love. This service isn’t grudging or done out of obligation, but flows from a heart transformed by God’s love.
In practical terms, living out this love means making daily choices. Will we walk in “the flesh,” or will we “walk in the Spirit?” When we choose to walk in “the Spirit,” we allow God’s love to be manifested through us. This love becomes evident in how we treat others, especially those closest to us, such as our spouses and children.
For those considering marriage, it’s worth noting that this commitment provides one of the most profound opportunities to demonstrate Christ-like love. Marriage isn’t just about romantic feelings; it’s about choosing to love and serve your spouse, even when it’s challenging. It’s a daily decision to esteem your partner above yourself, mirroring the sacrificial love of Christ for His church.
Importantly, this love isn’t just a personal virtue; it’s meant to be a characteristic of the entire body of Christ. Ephesians 4:16 describes the church as a self-edifying body, where members, walking in love and functioning with the mind of Christ, can build up and encourage one another.
As believers, we are called to be living manifestations of Christ’s love to the world. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 reminds us that we manifest the life of Christ in our bodies, making His love tangible and visible to those around us. This is how the lost world encounters God’s love today—through His Word and through the lives of believers who embody His love.
Embracing this kind of love is a full-time commitment. It requires constant choices to “walk in the Spirit” rather than in “the flesh.” But the beautiful truth is that we don’t need additional instructions or divine revelations to know how to live. The Word of God provides all we need, serving as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
In conclusion, the fruit of the Spirit—beginning with love—is not just a nice idea or a lofty goal. It’s the natural outworking of Christ’s life in us, made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit. As we yield to the Spirit and allow God’s Word to renew our minds, we can increasingly manifest this other-regarding, sacrificial love that reflects the very heart of God.
Let us be challenged to examine our understanding and practice of love. Are we loving others as Christ loved us? Are we valuing and esteeming others above ourselves? As we grow in the love of God, may we become ever more effective ambassadors of Christ, bringing the transformative power of God’s love to a world in desperate need of it.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
May 9, 2025
Resources For Further Study
66) Galatians 5:22 The Fruit Of The Spirit, Part 2 (Love Continued) (YouTube Video)
The Fruit Of The Spirit: Love (Blog Article)