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Love, is a measuring rod which may be use to assure us that we are in the presence of a New Man. Love, Agape love, is the nature of the Lord. He is the very essence of love. His love is extended to the most unlovely. To a segment of humanity which may be despised and ignored by the rest of society. He loves the unlovable. In imparting His character and life to us, love will be quickly manifest. Love is a portion of the fruit of the spirit. Mind you, we are not writing of natural love, a love that is evident on a human level and is found between those of a family unit. This is love on it’s highest level. A love which emanates from the source, the heart of love, the Lord of all. Gal. 5:22.
Fruit does not just happen, it begins with a blossom and gradually it will grow and develop into a full grown, ripe fruit. It faces many things in the process of becoming a fully matured fruit of commercial value. Wind, rain, storms, insects, disease and so on. It will experience various stages of growth and maturity. Remember Jesus said; “a tree is known by his fruit.” Mt. 12:33 At the time of our salvation, the seed of the Love of the Lord is planted in our hearts. From that small beginning a great tree will develop with the fruit of the Spirit growing on it. As it grows, it will come under the attack of every kind of a hindrance possible. The goal will not be achieved easily. The person who desires to manifest the fruit of the Spirit, love, will find great opposition, even within their own temperament. The natural man will resist and even fight against that which the Spirit would accomplish within our New Man. Acts 14:22.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us.” 1 John 3:1 What a great translation, yet, it cannot begin to reveal the immensity of His mega love. It beggars description. It has no boundary’s or limits. It’s depths, it’s widths, the full measure of it’s expansion has never been reached nor experienced by mankind. The vastness of His love is like eternity, without ending. Such a simple thing such as our attitude toward one another is a demonstration of the presence of His love, in us. We are urged to love one another, for that is the sign of having Him dwelling within. He will not dwell where His love cannot be accepted and manifest. Where His love is welcomed and practiced He will continue to work in that life until the fruit is seen to be perfect. Love is the key to the perfect life in Christ Jesus. 1 John 4:12 It is the first mentioned of the fruit and is absolutely vital for the maturity of the rest of the fruit of the Spirit. It is foundational.