Fruits of the Spirit - Love September 22, 2013

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.”

Introduction Love is the most irresistible force on the earth Love is the primary fruit of the Spirit Love is defined by God’s very nature God is love! 1 John 4:8,16 Love of God is manifested through life of God poured out lavishly and constantly!

Review God designed fruit to be a healthy part of life You recognize them by their fruit Matt 7:16 Types of fruit depends on type of soil of hearts Pathway People - Disappointed with No Fruit Rocky People – Without deep roots Thorny People – Lost in the weeds Productive People – Good ground

Uniqueness of Love Foremost of the fruits of Spirit is love Love is the essential life of Christ expressing itself in all nine fruits Comparison from these two scriptures

Uniqueness of Love Gal 5: Corinthians 13: Love Is not selfish or self-centered 2. Joy Does not rejoice in sin 3. PeaceIs not easily provoked 4. PatienceSuffers long, perseveres 5. KindnessIs merciful, thoughtful, no envy 6. GoodnessIs gracious, generous 7. FaithfulnessThinks no evil, faith in God 8. GentlenessIs humble and gentle 9. Self-controlIs disciplined and controlled

Uniqueness of Love Foremost of the fruits of Spirit is love Love is the essential life of Christ expressing itself in all nine fruits Comparison from these two scriptures Fruits come from same source but may be at different places in ripening. Show grace to each other as we grow in love

Source of Love Cannot counterfeit, truly comes from above Love originates with God 1 John 4:7-8 Cannot manufacture love Clear delineation between man’s attempt at loving and God’s love You have the love of God only to the extent that you have God Himself. How can be exposed to the love of God in greater measure?

Expression of Love God’s love is a perfect love Love is selfless Visible expression of love is found in Jesus Christ. 1 John 4:9-10 Agape love is selflessness finding form in nine distinct facets. The love of God is the very life of God

Expression of Love 5 Different love languages 1) Words of Affirmation 2) Acts of Service 3) Gifts 4) Physical Touch 5) Quality Time If love is allowed to grow in good soil, will become evident in life of disciple!

Conclusion What’s the level of expression of love coming forth from you? How has Christ manifested His love to you? What are you doing with that revelation of His love? Being exposed to the love of God Allowing His love to live through you