The Power of Love

Love. The focus of greeting cards and sentimental gifts, of weddings and romantic settings. But is love just a gushy emotion? A pointless feeling?

The Bible describes something much deeper and profound. For love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

But love also is highly practical. In fact, love should provide the foundation for all of our relationships, even with our enemies.

As our lives are filled with God’s love, we find our attitudes transformed. God changes our attitudes at work and home…in our communities and churches…as we drive and shop. We find it unnecessary to be reminded constantly about the requirements of the Law, for hearts filled with genuine love do not steal or commit adultery. They don’t covet or murder. And love gives us the right attitude—in every situation—toward our neighbors.

The presence of love reveals the power of the Spirit to shape and control our lives. Filled with the selfless, sacrificial love of God, we are not dominated by the flesh.

In his comments about love, Paul echoed the teachings of Jesus, who said the greatest commandment was “you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second was “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” and Jesus added, “There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31).

Today, seek anew to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Walk in the Spirit, and allow your life to be characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. Let God’s Spirit fill your heart with love and shape your attitudes. Let your life be motivated by the love of God.