“But the fruit of the Spirit is love…” – Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
When Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians, he begins with the most foundational one: love. The Bible defines love for us: it is patient, kind, and humble. Scripture also tells us that of the three things that remain—faith, hope, and love—the greatest of these is love.
Love is the root from which the other fruits grow. It is not just a feeling—it is the greatest commandment: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second is like it: to love your neighbor as yourself. Love is also the reflection of God Himself. “God is love.” It is no wonder that Scripture lists love as the first fruit of the Spirit.
When I think of love, I imagine an apple—shiny, nourishing, familiar. Ironically, many apples are shaped like a heart-a symbol of love. Love, like an apple, is where spiritual growth begins. It’s the daily fruit we’re called to bite into and share with others.
While fighting cancer, I have often been inspired by the people who showed me great love—the unexpected gifts, visits from friends who traveled long distances to see me, and those who generously supported me financially. The cards, the words of encouragement—I can’t count the many ways people loved me during the hardest and most uncertain times of my battle. Not only did they love me well, but they also showed me how to love others well.
Perhaps the time I felt most loved was on the first birthday I celebrated after my diagnosis. Old friends, including some I hadn’t seen since elementary school, came to my party—some driving from out of state. It was truly a blessing to my soul.
Of all the love I received, however, none compares to the love Jesus demonstrated when He took on the penalty for my sin on the cross: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
As I basked in the love around me, I challenged myself to show love however I could. I brought gifts to my doctors, complimented my nurses, and sent birthday cards to friends and family.
As you face your own battles, may the apple remind you of the love God has lavished on you—a love meant to be tasted, enjoyed, and multiplied in the lives around you. Let us not withhold what we have freely received. Just as one apple carries many seeds, your single act of love may plant an orchard in someone’s heart.
Discussion Questions:
During your battle with illness, what are a few examples of how others have shown love to you?
How has Christ shown love to you in your life?
What can you do—however small—to impart Christ’s love to others?