Timeless Truths: A Love that Lasts - Part 1

First post in the "Some Assembly Required" series.

Series Theme Verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Healthy relationships are constantly growing.

The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of our relationship with God.

The fruit of the Spirit is not evidence of our God-gifts.

• Notice that fruit is singular in the verse.
• This is not a multiple-choice list.
• We need more of each quality.
• Some of the qualities are easier than others for each of us to exhibit.

God promises to complete His work in us . . . 

. . . We have to yield to the Holy Spirit for that to occur.

Two popular misconceptions
about love

1. Love is only a feeling

It cannot be this because emotions can change. Love doesn't change.

2. Love in uncontrollable.

Love is not just something you "fall" into or out of.

God's concept of Love

1. Love is a matter of choice.

...and over all these put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity. [Colossians 3:14]

• We all have been given the capacity to choose love.
• Love is controllable. We are told to choose [put on] love.

2. Love is a matter of conduct.

Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and truth. [1 John 3:18]

• We need to love, even if we are not loved in return.

Choice + Conduct = Purpose

Next week: Check Your Love Quotient

Special thanks to Dr. Keith Newman for the primary teachings used in this post.

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