WHAT IS LOVE?
The greatest gift from God! The Bible tells us that love is patient, kind, and gentle which are more fruits of the Spirit! We can love because God first loved us! Without God’s great love for us, we wouldn’t even know how to love! 
Love is probably the most well-known fruit of the Spirit, but it also may be the most misunderstood. Translated from the Greek one word is ‘agape’. But, as we know, the Greek language has multiple meanings & uses for the same word.
The word “love” is mentioned a different number of times in the Bible, depending upon which version you read. For instance, the word appears 442 in the King James but 759 in the New Living Translation. Jesus used the term over 50 times during his teaching. In John 15:17, He used the word ‘love’ in a command, stating “These things I command you, that you love one another.”
It is one of the most important traits of Christian character and indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. As well, Christian-based agape always seeks to do the right thing.
God demonstrates His perfect, selfless, agape to a world that is often confused about what true love is. So as children of God, we need to strive to show others God’s love through us. Whether we reach out to a friend in need, volunteer in a mission or give our time to a cause, this outreach lets this all-important fruit ripen inside our spirits. John 13:35 tells us, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Love Connects To Health
Now what’s the health connection you ask?
Remember…you need a healthy YOU to go execute the command to love
Now take this a step further. More often than not, the demographics served by MissionFiT are actually better at serving others than themselves. Often they ‘put others first’ to the detrimental of themselves. Let’s go back to the above. There’s no opportunity TO serve anyone if you’re not in a healthy position TO serve.
Discussion Questions:
- This word for love doesn’t refer to warm feelings but to a deliberate attitude of good will and devotion to others. Love gives freely without looking at whether the other person deserves it, and it gives without expecting anything back. Ask yourself: “Am I motivated to do for others as Christ has done for me, or am I giving in order to receive something in return?”
- Has your physical health ever held you back or been a barrier for you serving in any capacity?
- Think 5 fold – Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Emotional and Social. How have you experienced more opportunities to love others when you are in better health?
