Fruitful 2: Love
Loving others does not come naturally; it is supernatural. In this second study we'll look closer at love in the life of a leader.
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Video notes
- Love translates Greek word agapē. Paul uses word 75 times. When we are subject, verb is nearly always about loving others.
- Loving others is of course connected to loving God, but Paul’s focus here is on the former (see v13).
- Loving others = see people, treat them and serve them as Christ does (and Christ loves us).
- Rarer than we imagine because we think we are loving as Christ does, when we might not be.
- Why do you love people in church?
- We should love people because Christ loves them, not because we find them lovely.
- Like other fruit, this is a supernatural way of seeing others; it is not our natural inclination.
Questions to think about
- What motivates your love for those you lead? Be honest about motives.
- Who, amongst those you are responsible for, might not say that you love them? Why?
- What difference would the fruit of love make to your (1) praying (2) teaching (3) serving?
Prayer ideas
- Rejoice in the love Christ has both for you and for all those in your church.
- Ask forgiveness for those you have not loved and for those you have loved, but from wrong motives.
- Ask the Spirit to help you see people as Christ does. Pray this prayer for specific people you serve.
- Ask for the Spirit’s help to change how your serve, and to do so from a motive of love.
Further passages to reflect on
1 Corinthians 13
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