Love: fruit of the spirit..God’s love

Love: fruit of the spirit..God’s love

Posted on December 16, 2008

THE STANDARD

Memorise: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” ( John 13:34 )

Read: John 13:34-35

Pastor Enoch Adeboye 

The incomparable God loves us with an incomparable love. If you are a beneficiary of God’s love, it is expected that you do something to show your appreciation to God. Love is a two way street. The loved must reciprocate same gesture to the lover of their soul.

1 John 4:11-12 says that your ability to love fellow believers is the receipt of your salvation. While the blood of Jesus is the ransom- the price of salvation, love is the proof that you have been to Calvary. Anyone who claims to be born again but is incapable of manifesting the God kind of love, is a phoney.

It is said, Like father like son. If your Father is love, that is, you are a product of love, you must be able to love others. Although God required love from man in the original Ten Commandments, Jesus called it a new commandment. Why? The way people loved in the Old Testament was far from perfect.

He came to exemplify the perfect love of God. Hence, He commands us to upgrade our love to the highest level – as He loves us. You are not expected to love your brother or sister below how Jesus loved and still loves you. That is the standard!

Love is a command. How Christ loves us is the yardstick. Loving your brother is not optional. What is your brother doing that is making him unloveable? Has your neighbour stepped so hard on your toes and you feel like not loving him anymore?

Take a look at your past: How many times even after your new birth, have you stepped on Christ’s toes? How many times have you been disobedient to His Word or provoked Him through your deeds, yet He continues to love you? Forgive that fellow and take practical steps to communicate your love and forgiveness.

Anyone who does not love is not born of God. It is also possible to be born again and live in hatred. Many who have confessed Christ at one time or the other, who are holding grudges against their brethren, fall into that category.

That is a dangerous place to be! As long as you stay there, Heaven counts that fellow a sinner bound for hell, because they cannot see your receipt of salvation. Many Christians are very sluggish in developing the fruit of the Spirit, which summarily is love. The Lord is asking you to upgrade your love today.

New Testament love is Heaven’s latest product from the factory of love. 1 Cor 13:1-3 says all activities, sacrifices and services without love amounts to nothing. Have you bought this new product?