Fruit of the Spirit: LOVE

Activity: Review memory verses.

Last week, we discussed how to be filled with the Spirit and its importance in our
spiritual walk. Today, we will talk about the fruit of the Spirit – the by-product of walking
with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23
22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Discuss:
1. Cite one instance this week wherein you
allowed yourself to be led by the flesh.
2. Cite one instance wherein you allowed
yourself to be led by the Spirit.

 The Fruit of the Spirit is a sign or result of

being filled or controlled by the Spirit of God.
 The Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of being
connected to Christ.

John 15:5
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who
abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit,
for apart from Me you can do nothing.

First, Love (the greatest of these)

 Love over gifts/service (Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
 Love over knowledge (Read 1 Corinthians 8:1)
 Only love will remain (Read 1 Corinthians 13:13)

Discuss:
Think about a specific time this week when you felt loved.
What made you feel loved?

1
Love is the Greatest Commandment.
It should be the priority of our lives.
Read Matthew 22:36-40.

Discuss:
1. What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?
2. How do you personally show love to God with all your heart, soul, and
mind?

Love is an action.
We do not wait for the feelings of love to come. We act right away.

Love calls for radical obedience.

God’s call to love isn’t always easy. He calls us to love the unlovable, even our
enemies! Read Luke 6:27-28 and Luke 6:32-35

Discuss: Who are the people in your life that are difficult to love?

Patient Makrothumeo “long-tempered” or “long-

(vb) suffering”; prolonged restraint
of emotion (anger); holding
out of the mind for a long
time before it gives room to
passion/action
Kind Chresteuomai Providing something
(vb) beneficial for someone;
generosity in action; being
willing to help, assist or work
for the welfare of others
Not jealous Zeloo (vb) Not setting one’s heart on
something that belongs to
someone else; not having
negative feelings over
another’s achievement or
success
Does not brag Perpereuomai Works behind the scenes and
(vb) does not parade its own
worth or accomplishments

2
Not arrogant Phusioo (vb) Not having an “inflated” view
of our own importance; not
conceited or haughty or
puffed up with pride

Does not act Aschemoneo Not being ill-mannered or

unbecomingly (vb) rude resulting in disgrace,
embarrassment, dishonor or
shame to others

Does not seek Zeteo (vb) Not selfish; does not demand
its own its own way; does not look
out for its own interests
(pleasure, profit, honor, etc.);
looks out for what benefits
the other person
Not provoked Paroxuno (vb) Not irritable; not easily
angered; does not give in to
sudden violent emotion,
action, or outburst
Does not take Logizomai (vb) Does not take an inventory or
into account a an accounting of wrongs
wrong suffered done so he can later look at
the record so as to pay it
back; not “forgive and forget”
but “remembers and forgives”
Does not Does not take delight in
rejoice in sin/that which is offensive to
unrighteousness God; does not rejoice when
trouble or problems come to
another person even when it
is a result of that person’s
foolishness or sin
Rejoices with the Sugchairo (vb) Being glad about behaviour
truth which is in agreement with
the truth of God’s Word; if
someone falls into sin, we
grieve, but if they repent, we
rejoice
Bears all thing Stego (vb) Protects others

Believes all Pisteuo (vb) Sees and chooses to believe

things the best in others; gives the
benefit of the doubt

3
Hopes all things Elpizo (vb) Looks at the bright side of
things and does not despair;
not pessimistic but shows
godly optimism; not negative
and critical but is always
positive and hopeful
Endures all Hupomeno Perseveres in times of pain,
things (vb) suffering; remains steadfast
in the face of unpleasant
circumstances; does not give
up on people

Homework:
Week 1
 Ask someone who knows you intimately (spouse, parent, sibling, accountability
partner, close friend) to rate you in the aspects of love listed above.
 Ask them for tips or suggestions on how you can improve especially in the areas
where they rated you lowest.

Week 2
 Do something different and creative that will boost your love for God and His
word.

Weeks 3 to 4
 Choose someone in your life (whom you find difficult to love) and intentionally
reach out and show love to this person for the next 2 weeks.