Summer Fruit
Love
Fruit Focus: Agape

Galatians 5:22-23

Opening Thought

Walk in the Spirit and you will not walk by the Flesh.

The goal is not merely to avoid the flesh. The goal is to choose the Spirit.

Love: Agape

English uses one word for many kinds of love, but Scripture gives us a clearer picture.

AGAPE
Unconditional love. This is the fruit focus for this week.
PHILEO
Brotherly love or friendship.
EROS
Romantic love.

Who, Why, When?

WHO?
Everyone we come into contact with.
WHY?
It reveals who we belong to. The world will know we are His disciples by our love.
WHEN?
Always. That is the key to agape: love with no loopholes.

Key Scriptures

John 13:35
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son..."
John 13:34
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you..."
Ephesians 4:15
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Romans 12:18
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
1 Corinthians 15:33
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'"
1 John 4:19
"We love because he first loved us."
John 21:15-17
Jesus restores Peter and calls him again: "Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep."

Love Lies & Biblical Truth

Love Lie #1: Love is a feeling.
Biblical Truth: Love is a choice before it is a feeling.

Where is God asking me to choose love before I feel love?

Love Lie #2: If I love them, I'll always agree with them.
Biblical Truth: Love speaks the truth in love.

Where do I need to be humble, honest, and loving?

Love Lie #3: Love is soft.
Biblical Truth: Love can be gentle and strong. Love has boundaries.

Where do I need to respond with love instead of revenge, avoidance, or control?

Love Lie #4: I have to earn God's love.
Biblical Truth: We love because He first loved us.

What would change if I truly received God's love before trying to prove myself?

Take It Home

1. Daily wake up and receive His love.

2. Walk in that love.

3. Choose to walk in the Spirit.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me receive Your love before I try to give love away. Teach me to walk in the Spirit, reject the lies I have believed about love, and love others with Your agape love. Amen.