LOVE IS KEY
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
READING: MATTHEW 7:15-20
When we view the fruit of the Spirit through today’s cultural lens, it has the potential to lose value. This leads to us overlooking the true meaning of each element of the fruit. For example, the word “love” is used so casually in today’s context. These are a few ways we use the word “love”:
The Apostle Paul’s use of the word love in Galatians 5:22 is not a casual use of the word. The word he uses for love is the Greek word agapē (ἀγάπη) which is the unconditional love of God.
The Apostle Paul defined it this way in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
This is the type of love God desires for us to experience, for us to have as part of the fruit in our hearts, and for us to show to all we come in contact with. It is impossible to have this kind of love without abiding in the Word of God. Love is the key to good fruit!
- I love ice cream.
- I love playing video games.
- I love swimming.
- I love you man.
- I love my kids.
- I love my spouse.
The Apostle Paul’s use of the word love in Galatians 5:22 is not a casual use of the word. The word he uses for love is the Greek word agapē (ἀγάπη) which is the unconditional love of God.
The Apostle Paul defined it this way in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
This is the type of love God desires for us to experience, for us to have as part of the fruit in our hearts, and for us to show to all we come in contact with. It is impossible to have this kind of love without abiding in the Word of God. Love is the key to good fruit!
MORNING
Start your morning with the prayer:
“God, show me how to love as you have loved me and allow me to reflect it toward those I encounter throughout my life’s journey. Give me a desire to draw closer to you on a daily basis. In Jesus name I pray Amen!” Journal any thoughts that come to you as you listen.
“God, show me how to love as you have loved me and allow me to reflect it toward those I encounter throughout my life’s journey. Give me a desire to draw closer to you on a daily basis. In Jesus name I pray Amen!” Journal any thoughts that come to you as you listen.
EVENING
INTENTIONAL HONEST REFLECTION
Take a few moments to pray, honestly reflect, and journal on the following questions:
- Do I love God enough to take a moment each day to spend time with him in pray and reading Scripture?
- Do I love myself? How do I show love to my family? When was the last time I told them that I love you?
- Am I showing love the way 1 Corinthians 13 tells us to show love?
RESOURCES
Watch Video:
Day 2 How Can I Be More Loving
Day 2 How Can I Be More Loving
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