Love: The Fruit of the Spirit and the Heart of Christianity

As we reflect on the significance of Palm Sunday, we're drawn to contemplate the very essence of our faith—love. The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, situates love at its forefront. This isn't a coincidence. It is a profound truth that echoes throughout the Scriptures and especially in the teachings of Jesus.

In John 15, Jesus presents a powerful analogy of the vine and branches, illustrating our relationship with him and the Father. "I am the true vine," He says, "and my Father is the gardener." This imagery paints a vivid picture of our spiritual journey. Just as branches rely on the vine for sustenance and growth, we too must remain connected to Christ if we want to bear fruit.

The concept of "remaining" is central to this teaching. Jesus emphasizes the reciprocal nature of our relationship with him: "Remain in me, as I also remain in you." This isn't a one-sided affair; it is a mutual commitment. When we abide in Christ, he promises to abide in us, creating a powerful synergy that produces spiritual fruit.

But what happens when we disconnect from the vine? Jesus warns that branches separated from the vine wither and die, unable to bear fruit on their own. This serves as a stark reminder of our dependence on God's mercy and grace and the importance of maintaining our spiritual connection.

The fruit we're called to bear isn't just any fruit, it is, first and foremost, love. Jesus commands us to "love one another as I have loved you." This love isn't a mere feeling or emotion, but a sacrificial act that mirrors Christ's own sacrifice. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends," Jesus declares, foreshadowing His own crucifixion.

This divine love not only transforms our relationships, but it also gives us a new identity. We're no longer servants but friends of God, privy to his plans and purposes. We're chosen and appointed to bear lasting fruit, with the promise that whatever we ask in Jesus' name will be granted. But this promise comes with a “want to” transforming responsibility—to love each other.

Love, as demonstrated by Christ, often challenges our preconceptions. It's not always warm and fuzzy; sometimes, it involves saying hard truths or making difficult decisions for the benefit of others. True love dignifies rather than denigrates, honors the image of God in others, protects rather than exposes, and gives appropriate freedom.
We learn to love not through textbooks or lectures, but through the examples of those who don't give up on us, who remain steadfast in their commitment. It's seen in the actions of family and friends who show up, who make the effort to be present in our lives, even when it's inconvenient.

In essence, our spiritual to-do list has just one item: love one another. When we love like Jesus, we love like the Father. This love, empowered by the Holy Spirit, bears fruit that changes us and those around us. It may not alter our circumstances, but it transforms our hearts and impacts the world in ways we may never fully comprehend.

As we consider our spiritual journey, it's worth reflecting on the legacy of love we're creating. Like branches on a vine, our time for bearing fruit in this life is limited. But even when our active fruit-bearing days are over, the impact of our love can continue to warm and comfort others, like dry branches providing fuel for a campfire.

Our prayer should be that the fruit of our love outlasts our earthly ability to love. That somewhere, somehow, people we've never met will find hope, courage, and the strength to persevere because of the love we've sown. That our love, rooted in Christ, will create ripples that change lives far beyond our immediate sphere of influence.

In a world often marked by division and self-interest, this call to sacrificial love is both challenging and revolutionary. It requires us to look beyond ourselves, to see others as God sees them, and to act with the same grace and compassion that Christ has shown us.
As we move forward in our faith journey, let's commit ourselves anew to this highest calling—to love as we have been loved. Let's remain connected to the true vine, drawing our strength and sustenance from Christ. And let's bear the fruit of love abundantly, trusting that as we do, we're participating in God's transformative work in the world.

May our lives be a testament to the power of divine love, bringing glory to God in places we may never see, through experiences we may never have, to people we may never meet. For in the end, it is love that never fails, love that endures, and love that truly changes the world.

(Blog Post for April 13, 2025 Sermon: A Life that is Free to Love)