Love

Read 1John 4:7-21. Highlight or underline the word love. How many times does John use this word?

• It should come as no surprise that the very first attribute listed by Paul as a fruit of the Spirit is love. When Jesus was asked in Matthew 22 what the greatest commandment was, he gave not one but two answers, and both had to do with love.

• The greatest commandment is to love God, followed closely by loving others. Loving God and loving others are the most important things we can do, and they should be the mark of the believer.

• The word for God’s love is “agape”, and it differs greatly from the romantic love between spouses or the brotherly love between friends. This love is unconditional and is not contingent on it being returned.

• Those who are born of God and know God are marked by love, because God is love. Love toward God and others should flow freely from those who have put their faith and hope in the Lord.

• Christians should be known as the most loving people on earth. We know God, who is love, and his very Spirit dwells within us. That love pours out of us as we serve God’s kingdom and his people, displaying his fruit and inviting others to join us as we enjoy it.