Fruit of Love
I would like to take a couple of sentences to say, “Thank You”! April 7th noted the 13th year I have been writing my Simple Faith for Today weekly blog. Started as a personal release for my own thoughts on the impact of Jesus on our lives, through your continued support, you have inspired me to write on topics that have uplifted all of us! I appreciate your wonderful comments and look forward to the years ahead, with God’s grace.
As a suggestion from my friend Mary, the next few weeks will focus on the Fruits of the Spirit. We will highlight each of the wonderful fruits that the Holy Spirit has placed in our lives. What better way than to start with LOVE! The fruit of love can span numerous aspects of our lives. The word love tends to bring reflection of those close to us, our spouses, significant others, immediate family members, etc. We are supposed to love them, they are family! Yet, what does that love look like? How are we supposed to share this love with family? It looks different for each person, each family. Exploring what this looks like for you is the goal. How do you express your love to your family members? Are there areas where you can improve what love looks like for those closest to you?
There is also love expressed to ourselves. I hear so often, “You need to love yourself before you can love others.” I have always had a hard time with that statement – it seems very self-centered. But I can understand that if we are not able to accept ourselves for who we are, the good and the ugly parts of ourselves, it will be hard to accept that in others, to love that in others. We are all imperfect. Celebrating those imperfections is part of the love experience. Looking inward to who we are and understanding our imperfections and our sinful nature gives us the capacity to be less judgmental and more empathetic with those around us.
Speaking of those around us, loving our neighbors is a charge that comes directly from Jesus. “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22: 37-39) Ah, the words of Jesus piercing our hearts and souls. This should be easy enough, right? Yet, I challenge you to think of times when you may be frustrated and angry with those you meet. Is the fruit of love emanating from you? Are you reflecting God’s love for you to others? I can very definitively state that there have been times when I have not behaved and showered those around me with love. Reflecting upon the fruit of love provides us an opportunity to determine where we struggle most with love. Is it loving all aspects of yourself? Is it loving your family members, those you may take for granted? Is it loving your neighbor, the strangers you may meet?
This is an opportunity for all of us to answer the following question: Where can I improve sharing my love to others as Jesus shared His love for me? Take the moment to reflect and make a commitment to move forward in love – the love that Jesus wants us to share through the Holy Spirit that He so richly gave to us. You can do it! Just have simple faith!
Video that complements this post: Fruit of Love
Holy Spirit, continue to ignite love within my heart and provide me with the knowledge of how I can improve sharing that love with others. Show me the path to showing others the fruit of love. Amen!