The Fruit of Love
Love has been a word that has been used in countless contexts in the English language. Often we forget that for the single English word, there are eight Greek counterparts: Eros (intimate love), Mania (obsessive devotion), Ludus (playful / flirtatious), Phillia (friendship), Storge (parental love), Philautia (self-love) and Xenia (hospitality). Finally, Agape, the love the Bible speaks about. (source below)
Agape is an ancient Greek word (generally written as agapaw), generally meaning affection – but in the biblical context (agape) is much deeper. Specifically the self-giving love between God and humans, and by extension the love between Christians.
The love of God towards us is such a profound concept – a love that existed before time and compelled Jesus willingly to the cross. A love that compelled God, the source and Creator of all things, to redeem a fallen mankind through His own beloved Son.
There is a self-sacrificing that is modeled in the Kingdom of God. Jesus showed leadership by washing His disciple’s feet (the role of a servant). This self-sacrifice did not come from wounding or low self-esteem, but was a fruit of the same love. The same love that Paul said was far more important than any gift of prophecy, knowledge or faith to move mountains.
In John’s first letter, he wrote it like this:
‘Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.’ 1 John 4:7-8
God’s love is not blind to our weaknesses and sin, but undergirds them and convicts us of righteousness, (John 16:8, Romans 2:4) and justifies us in His grace (Romans 3:24). These concepts are probably easy enough to receive, but what is hard is loving others the same way.
To take the model of love that God has shown to us and use it on our brothers and sisters in Christ is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit that is listed. This is not to be compelled love or demanded servitude; nor is it an act of co-dependence, a response to negative self-image or even trying to gain favor with the other – as neither of these are truly gifts to be given to another. But, in the same way that God sees us and hopes for our better future and success, we should do the same as we practice agape to each other.
There are many Fruit of the Spirit that may seem easy, but are harder in practice. Patience and Self-Control are good examples, but love – that’s probably the hardest. This is why it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit – as it is a supernatural love in nature.
We are all on a journey, and the fruit of a tree is a natural response to its health. Even trees in hostile environments may flourish if the roots are in fertile soil, and what we feed ourselves on spiritually is entirely our own choice.
Of course, if love does not seem like a natural fruit of your life, just check your soil and start asking God about how to grow deeper. Nobody is perfect; but we are all being transformed (Romans 12:2) and often when we realize we cannot do it on our own, we start leaning more on Him for His strength to do it in us. (Philippians 4:13)
And – God is faithful.
(love definitions from https://www.dictionary.com/e/greek-words-for-love/) Further information from Thayer’s Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament.
Kevin Vawser