Love | A Bible Class on the Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit

The first quality mentioned as part of the fruit of the Spirit is love. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23). What is love? How does love manifest itself in our lives? How does the Spirit produce love in our lives?

Love was an important virtue in the Old Testament. “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut 6:5). “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” (Lev 19:18). Jesus said that these are the two most important commandments (Matt 22:37-40).

How does the Spirit lead us to love God with our all? How do we show we love God with our all?

How does the Spirit lead us to love our neighbor as ourselves? How do we show we love our neighbor as ourselves?

God also expects us to love our brethren. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13:34-35). “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Pet 1:22).

How does the Spirit lead us to love our brethren? Why do we need to love our brethren? How do we show we love our brethren?

Jesus expects us to love our enemies. “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:44-48).

How does the Spirit lead us to love our enemies? Why is it important to love our enemies? How do we demonstrate we love our enemies?

We are also to love the brotherhood. “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Pet 2:17). How does the Spirit lead us to love the brotherhood? Why is it important to love the brotherhood?

This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.