But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26 ESV).
For the next several days we will focus on the fruit of the Spirit found in our reading today. The first, foundational fruit mentioned here is love. The core teaching of the Bible is love. Love is at the center of God’s character and all that God is and does. And when we come to believe in God—trusting in his amazing love for us through the life and work of Jesus and by the power of the Spirit—we begin to live by God’s love, because God comes to live in us (cf. Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:16).
The parable found in Luke’s Gospel (cf. Luke 15) is often called “The Lost Son” or “The Prodigal Son,” but a more fitting title is “The Loving Father.” The father in this story shows his love by not attempting to control his son’s behavior, even though it surely broke his heart. Love always sets free. God does give us the power of choice once we are born again. Some of the time we choose wrongly. His love then seeks to turn us back in the direction of life.
Love also moves in the direction of people. When the son returns, the father does not hold back but runs to greet his son. Love is affectionate. The father throws his arms around his son and kisses him. Saying “I love you” always involves more than words. Love does not allow apathy and indifference to choke out warmth and affection.
Love is reconciling. The father’s relationship with his son is more important than anything his son has done. Love does not allow the weed of strife to choke out a relationship. The father even calls for a celebration. This is the example given to us in our relationships. It does take both parties to desire reconciliation, but the power to restore is a part of the fruit born in us by the Holy Spirit.
Reconsider how you are using this gift in your relationships. Find ways to love others as Jesus did.