Fruit Of The Spirit-Love Series

SON-RIPENED FRUIT --LOVE

Galatians 5:22-23 Philippians 2:1-4

I am doing something this morning that I never thought I’d do.

Speak to a GARDENING CLASS

I want to speak to the Gardening class of 2002

A gardening class that is interested in

Cultivating, watering and harvesting the fruit of the Spirit.

The fruit of the spirit is not something we get

from Ken’s grocery or Wheat growers.

We don’t get it from a seed packet, or a street vendor.

We do not borrow, buy, inherit, or get it from our mothers.

It is something that must be home grown.

It is something that comes from the inside out.

“Stuart Briscoe tell the story of a friend who often used an old fruit tree to escape from his second story bedroom window, especially when his father was about to punish him. One day the father announced that he was going to cut down the old tree because it had not borne fruit in many years. That night the boy and his friends purchased a bushel of apples and in the cover of darkness tied fruit to the unproductive branches. The next morning the father shouted to his wife.

“Mary, I can’t believe my eyes. The old fruit tree that was barren for years is covered with apples. It’s a miracle because it’s a pear tree.

The fruit of the Spirit – is LOVE

It is the FRUIT of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Non Christians can’t grow this fruit anymore then a pear tree can grow apples.

Now its appropriate that this is the first Fruit

--because it encompasses all the rest.

Can you truly be patient without Love.

Can you truly know peace or joy, without love.

Can you be gentle, good and faithful without love.

Love is very powerful.

Yet love in our world is so misunderstood:

Just Ask Children: How do you get someone to fall in love with you?”

1. Camile age 9 replied: “Shake your hips and hope for the best.”

Dads gonna have to watch her.

2. Tammy 10 was ask about love. She said: It’s NEVER ok to kiss a boy, they slobber all over you and that’s why I stop doing it.

3. Bob age 9 must live in Nashville certainly must love country and western music. When asked if he knew any original love songs. Said’

“I’m in love with you most of the time but don’t bother me when I’m with my friends.”

Not only is love misunderstood,

but it is the greatest battle ground a Christian faces.

Philippians 2: 1-2 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

I. WE ARE TO BE CHRIST LIKE HAVING THE SAME LOVE.

Being united with Christ.

Like-minded having the same love,

Being one in spirit and purpose.

Love- is one of the most difficult areas of my life.

It is a daily battle for me.

To treat others with the same love Jesus had for them.

And in this, I end up frustrated.

Most times its with you.

You the very people I’m called to love.

The very people I’m called to shepherd.

The Trustees, and finance committee, Pastor Parish, the Women’s groups

My staff.

My wife and children.

How about you?

How are you doing when it comes to loving others?

Especially those closest to you?

Guy who was getting married, had the ring in his hand and said:

Sweetheart, I love you so much,

I want you to marry me.

I don’t have a car like Jonny green,

I don’t have a Yacht like him

I don’t have a house his size,

I don’t have the money of Jonny green

But I love you with all my heart.

She looked into his eyes and said I love you too, sweetheart,

But could you tell me a little more about Johnny Green.

Paul next verse in Philippians is probably the most clarifying

on Love as a fruit of the spirit in the very next verse:

“Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better then yourselves. “

Another translation:

“Regard one another as more important then yourself.”

Just eight little words,

but they start the battle within.

Regard One another.”

Consider others Better

I don’t have a problem with important people.

Celebrities, or VIP, even Chruch LEADERS.

IF BILLY GRAHAM came over I would open all doors for BG.

I be at the car,

I’d be at the front door.

I be in the kitchen making sure the meal was going ok.

I help Donna set the table.