Christian Growth Seminar The Fruit of the Spirit Love

Fruit of the Spirit love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness self-control Galatians 5:22-23 FEELINGS OF THE HEART RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS RELATIONSHIP TO GOD AND THE WORD

Love is a powerful human emotion: The Human Definition of Love Love is a powerful human emotion: An intense feeling of deep affection. A deep romantic or sexual attachment to someone. A great interest and pleasure in something

Love can change relationships: Friendship Devotion Idolization Worship The Human Definition of Love Love can change relationships: Friendship Devotion Idolization Worship

Love affects character and actions: Compassion Friendship Kindness The Human Definition of Love Love affects character and actions: Compassion Friendship Kindness Sympathy Benevolence

Human love is an imitation of God’s love. The Bible Doctrine of Love Human love is an imitation of God’s love. God is Love (I John 4:8). Love comes from God (1 John 4:7). We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).

God showed His love by sending Jesus to die for us. The Bible Doctrine of Love God showed His love by sending Jesus to die for us. God loves the world… (John 3:16) God loves individuals (Galatians 2:20) God loves the unworthy (Romans 5:8)

3. God makes it possible for us to love (Ephesians 3:14-19) The Bible Doctrine of Love 3. God makes it possible for us to love (Ephesians 3:14-19) The Holy Spirit teaches us how to love. We understand more about the love of Christ. We become more like God.

Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). The Bible Doctrine of Love Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). No earthly power. No spiritual being. No trouble or danger. We overcome all challenges to our faith through Christ.

The vertical dimension: Love for God The Three Dimensions of Love: Luke 10:27 The vertical dimension: Love for God

The vertical dimension: Love for God 2. The horizontal dimension: The Three Dimensions of Love: Luke 10:27 The vertical dimension: Love for God 2. The horizontal dimension: Love for fellow man

The vertical dimension: Love for God 2. The horizontal dimension: The Three Dimensions of Love: Luke 10:27 The vertical dimension: Love for God 2. The horizontal dimension: Love for fellow man 3. The inward dimension: Love for self

1. We learn to love through imitation The Central Importance of Love 1. We learn to love through imitation When we love, we imitate God: God is love (1 John 4:8) When we love, we imitate Christ: He showed us love in action (Romans 5:8). When we love, we imitate the Holy Spirit: He helps us develop love (John 16:13).

2. We are commanded to love. The Central Importance of Love 2. We are commanded to love. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Deuteronomy 6:5) “Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14) Be “rooted and established in love” (Ephesians 3:17) “Live a life of love” (Ephesians 5:2) “Be united in love” (Colossians 2:2) “Love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8)

3. Love motivates us to be more holy. The Central Importance of Love 3. Love motivates us to be more holy. To increase our love (1 John 4:19) To become more like God (Eph. 5:1-2; Rom. 12:2) To love our fellow man (Luke 10:27) To develop our spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:31)

Love keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil. The Nature of Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Love is patient Love is kind. Love does not envy. Love is not rude. Love keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil. Love delights in good. Love protects. Love trusts. Love hopes. Love perseveres. Love never fails.

“Love is known only from the actions it prompts” (Vine) Love Expresses Itself In Action “Love is known only from the actions it prompts” (Vine) Self-sacrifice (1 John 3:16) Obedience to God’s commands (John 14:33) Thankfulness (Psalm 103:2) Compassion (Matthew 14:14)

Love Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues “The greatest of these Is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 Love “God is love. 1 John 4:16

Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues Joy Love

Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues Joy Peace Love

Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues Joy Peace Love Patience

Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues Joy Peace Love Patience Gentleness

Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues Joy Peace Love Patience Gentleness Goodness

Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues Joy Peace Love Patience Faith Gentleness Goodness

Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues Joy Peace Love Meekness Patience Faith Gentleness Goodness

Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues Joy Self- Control Peace Love Meekness Patience Faith Gentleness Goodness

Love Love Is the Source of All Christian Virtues “The greatest of these Is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 Joy Self- Control Peace Love Meekness Patience Faith Gentleness “God is love. 1 John 4:16 Goodness