The Purpose of Love
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Let’s examine what the purpose of love has to do with this passage. Love is not a separate fruit but rather you must have love as well as joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance to make up the fruit of the Spirit.
Yet love in the passage has a purpose that reveals more of our beloved Lord.
It was God’s very love that led Him to give His only begotten Son (John 3:16). Jesus Christ paid the ultimate penalty on behalf of all mankind to make us righteous (Romans 5:19)
Is that not a reason to have joy?
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9
So, in the fruit of the Spirit, you see the purpose of love, it brings joy. A joy that comes from our Lord.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
The purpose of love brings peace. And it is a peace that passeth all understanding.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
And notice once again how this peace is from God, through Jesus Christ. Our God is both the source of love and through Jesus Christ he brings you peace as an attribute of the fruit of the Spirit.
The purpose of love has in its essence a willingness to suffer long, longsuffering. Only our God is a fine example and such a willing vessel to endure the sad estate of man who is quick to deny Him.
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15
The purpose of love is carried out in gentleness. Just think how our Lord first appeared to mankind. He did not come with vengeance or consume us in His wrath. He came as a helpless babe. One that you could hold and cradle with ease in your arms.
The purpose of love grows faith in the one who is Faithful (Revelations 19:11).
The purpose of love displays our Lord’s meekness and once again in gentleness (2 Corinthians 10:1).
Oh, how love brings temperance to a righteous God who could destroy us in an instant.
Can you see once again, my friend, that the fruit of the Spirit is not something we produce by our well-meaning efforts? This fruit of the Spirit is not earthly but heavenly. And it is given to you in the very person of Jesus Christ who lives inside of you by His Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is produced by God’s efforts in your life.
How amazing that an all-powerful God who can destroy you, chooses rather loves you instead. He desires to be all in your life and patiently woos you until you surrender completely to Him.
This is a complete surrender. It is precious and beautiful, as a bride giving all of herself to her husband, for His pleasure. Trusting with all her heart in His goodness towards you.
Don’t let fear keep you from greatest Bridegroom of all.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
What torment it is when a Christian “tries” to produce the fruit of the Spirit in her own strength. Beloved, think on His love towards you that you may grow to love Him and discover the purpose of love, as the Spirit produces His fruit in you.
“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.” Song of Solomon 2:3
To GOD be ALL the GLORY
In His hands,
Ann Marie Moore
LWHseries.com – Know True Love
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