How does the love in the Spirit connect to Galatians 5:22? The Setting in Colossae “and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.” (Colossians 1:8) • Epaphras reports a tangible, observable love among the believers. • Paul, writing by the Spirit, affirms this report as factual and literal. • The phrase “in the Spirit” signals that this love originates with the Holy Spirit, not mere human sentiment. Love as the Spirit’s First Fruit “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23) • Love heads the list; every other grace flows from it. • The same Spirit at work in Galatia is at work in Colossae, producing one consistent fruit. One Source, One Expression • Romans 5:5: “the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” • 1 John 4:7: “love comes from God.” • Because the Spirit is God, His fruit everywhere bears God’s own character—self-giving, sacrificial, holy. Distinguishing Spirit-Born Love from Natural Affection Spirit-Born Love • Rooted in Christ’s sacrifice (John 15:13). • Empowered by the indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). • Aimed at God’s glory and others’ eternal good. Natural Affection • Rooted in human emotion. • Dependent on circumstances and reciprocity. • Aimed at personal comfort or advantage. Marks of “Love in the Spirit” • Self-sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2). • Steadfastness under trial (1 Peter 1:22). • Unity within the body (Colossians 3:14). • Practical generosity (1 John 3:18). • Readiness to forgive (Ephesians 4:32). Why Paul Highlights This Love • Authenticates the Colossians’ faith—true conversion always bears Spirit fruit. • Encourages other churches: what Christ does in one body He can do in another. • Provides a metric: if love is missing, the Spirit is being resisted. Nurturing the Fruit Today • Abide in Christ through His Word (John 15:4). • Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16). • Keep in step through daily surrender (Romans 12:1–2). • Serve fellow believers with tangible deeds (Galatians 6:10). • Guard fellowship by quick confession and forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Conclusion The “love in the Spirit” praised in Colossians 1:8 is the very first manifestation listed in Galatians 5:22. One Spirit, one fruit, one unmistakable proof: genuine, God-originated love that transforms hearts and communities alike. |
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