Rooted in God's Love: The Journey of Agape
Summary
As we begin our journey through the Fruit of the Spirit, it’s essential to recognize that these qualities are not self-generated, but are produced in us by the Holy Spirit as we remain connected to God. Just as a fruit bud must stay attached to the tree to grow and mature, we must stay rooted in the Spirit to see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control flourish in our lives. The first and foundational ingredient of this fruit is love—a love that is not simply a feeling or passive acceptance, but an active, sacrificial force that transforms us and those around us.
It’s important to clarify what love is not. Love does not mean enabling destructive behavior or tolerating abuse. True love sometimes requires boundaries and even tough conversations, as demonstrated in the way we parent or care for others. God’s love is never abusive or manipulative; rather, it seeks the genuine good of the other, even when that means loving from a distance.
Scripture reveals four kinds of love: eros (romantic), storge (familial), philia (friendship), and agape (God’s unconditional, sacrificial love). While all have their place, agape is the highest and most transformative, the love God pours into us and calls us to extend to everyone. Jesus made it clear that love is the defining mark of his followers: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” This love is not a destination but a journey—a process of unlearning distorted ideas of love and learning to receive and give God’s love.
David’s life is a powerful example. Despite his many failures, he was called “a man after God’s own heart” because he continually pursued God, seeking to align his life with God’s love and purpose. Likewise, we are invited to pursue God’s heart, to let his Spirit grow agape love in us. This love is not innate; it is given to us when we are born again, and it grows as we remain in communion with the Spirit.
To truly experience and express God’s love, we must allow it to move from head knowledge to heart reality. As we do, resentment, unforgiveness, and anger lose their grip, and we become vessels of God’s transforming love to the world. May our roots grow deep into God’s love, making us strong and complete in him.
Key Takeaways
- Love is not passive acceptance or enabling, but an active, sometimes challenging force that seeks the true good of others. Setting boundaries and refusing to support destructive or abusive behavior is not a lack of love, but a reflection of God’s own heart for what is right and healthy. True love may require tough conversations and even loving from a distance, always with the aim of restoration and wholeness. [05:50]
- The Fruit of the Spirit is singular, not plural; it is one fruit with many facets, all produced by the Holy Spirit as we remain connected to God. Just as an apple contains water, fiber, and vitamins, the Spirit’s fruit contains love, joy, peace, and more—inseparable and interdependent. Our role is not to manufacture these qualities, but to stay rooted in the Spirit, allowing him to grow them in us. [12:34]
- Agape love—the self-giving, sacrificial love of God—is the foundation for all other virtues and the mark of true discipleship. Unlike eros, storge, or philia, agape is unconditional and extends even to those who are difficult to love. This love is not natural to us; it is imparted by the Spirit when we are born again, and it is the love we are called to both experience and express. [19:26]
- Love is a process, not a destination. Our understanding of love is often shaped by our upbringing, culture, and personal experiences, which can distort what love truly is. We must be willing to unlearn false ideas about love and allow God to teach us, through his Spirit, what real love looks like—embracing the journey of growth and transformation. [22:00]
- Pursuing God’s heart, as David did, is the key to experiencing and expressing agape love. Our failures do not disqualify us; what matters is our continual pursuit of God and willingness to align our lives with his love. As we do, the Spirit empowers us to love others deeply and authentically, making us strong and complete in Christ. [25:26]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:38] - Vision for the Year and New Property
[04:34] - What Love Is Not: Enabling and Boundaries
[05:50] - Love and Abuse: Setting Healthy Limits
[06:31] - Childhood Story: Misunderstood Love
[10:09] - The Fruit of the Spirit: God’s Work in Us
[11:11] - Staying Connected to the Spirit
[12:34] - The Fruit as One: The Apple Analogy
[14:46] - The Challenge of Understanding Love
[15:43] - Four Kinds of Love in Scripture
[17:07] - Eros: Romantic Love in God’s Design
[18:08] - Storge and Philia: Family and Friendship
[19:26] - Agape: God’s Unconditional Love
[20:52] - The Greatest Commandment: Love God and Neighbor
[22:00] - Love as a Process: Unlearning and Growth
[24:42] - David’s Failures and Pursuit of God’s Heart
[25:26] - Pursuing God’s Heart and Love
[26:51] - Born Again to Agape Love
[28:08] - Staying in the Vine: Experiencing God’s Love
[31:48] - Paul’s Prayer: Rooted in God’s Love
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Fruit of the Spirit – Love
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### Bible Reading
- Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
- Ephesians 3:16-19
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 5:22-23, who produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, and what is the first quality listed?
[[10:09]]
2. In John 13:34-35, what does Jesus say will show the world that we are his disciples?
[[14:46]]
3. The sermon described four types of love found in Scripture. What are they, and which one is described as the highest and most transformative?
[[19:26]]
4. What does Ephesians 3:16-19 say about being “rooted and established in love”?
[[31:48]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says love is not just a feeling or passive acceptance, but an active, sometimes challenging force. How does this understanding of love differ from what our culture often teaches?
[[05:50]]
2. Why is it important to set boundaries and not enable destructive or abusive behavior, even when we are called to love others?
[[05:50]]
3. The sermon mentions that agape love is not natural to us but is given by the Holy Spirit when we are born again. What does it mean for love to move from “head knowledge to heart reality”?
[[28:08]]
4. David was called “a man after God’s own heart” despite his failures. What does this teach us about pursuing God’s love and purpose in our own lives?
[[25:26]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about “loving from a distance” when someone is abusive or destructive. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to set healthier boundaries? What would loving that person from a distance look like for you?
[[05:50]]
2. Think about the different types of love (eros, storge, philia, agape). Which type do you find easiest to express, and which is most challenging? How can you ask God to help you grow in agape love this week?
[[19:26]]
3. The fruit of the Spirit is described as one fruit with many facets, not separate fruits. How does this change the way you think about spiritual growth? Are there areas where you try to “manufacture” these qualities on your own instead of staying connected to the Spirit?
[[12:34]]
4. The sermon said that love is a process, not a destination, and that we often need to “unlearn” false ideas about love. Can you identify a belief or habit about love from your upbringing or culture that you need to unlearn? What is one step you can take to replace it with God’s truth?
[[22:00]]
5. David’s story shows that our failures don’t disqualify us from pursuing God’s heart. Is there a past mistake or failure that makes it hard for you to believe God can use you? How can you bring that to God and keep pursuing his love and purpose?
[[25:26]]
6. The sermon encouraged us to let God’s love move from our heads to our hearts, so that resentment, unforgiveness, and anger lose their grip. Is there someone you need to forgive or a resentment you need to let go of? What would it look like to invite God’s love into that area?
[[28:08]]
7. Paul prayed that we would be “rooted and established in love.” What is one practical way you can deepen your roots in God’s love this week (for example, through prayer, worship, or serving others)?
[[31:48]]
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Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help you stay connected to his Spirit, to grow in agape love, and to become a vessel of his transforming love to those around you.
Devotional
Day 1: The Fruit of the Spirit Is Produced by the Holy Spirit
True spiritual fruit is not self-generated but grows as we remain connected to the Holy Spirit, just as a branch must stay attached to the tree to bear fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is not a collection of separate virtues, but a single, unified fruit with many facets—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We cannot manufacture these qualities on our own; instead, we must rely on the Spirit’s presence and power in our lives. As we stay rooted in Christ, the Spirit transforms us from the inside out, making us more like Jesus and enabling us to reflect His character in all we do. [10:09]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to rely on the Holy Spirit, rather than your own strength, to produce the fruit of the Spirit today?
Day 2: Love Is the Mark of True Discipleship
Jesus taught that the defining characteristic of His followers is their love for one another—a love that goes beyond feelings and is demonstrated in action. This love is not always easy, especially when differences or conflicts arise, but it is the very thing that sets believers apart in the world. When we love as Jesus commands, we show the world that we belong to Him, and we reflect the heart of God to those around us. This love is not passive; it is active, sacrificial, and inclusive, reaching out even to those who are difficult to love. [15:43]
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you find difficult to love? What is one practical way you can show them Christlike love this week?
Day 3: God’s Love Is Multidimensional and Transformative
The Bible describes several kinds of love—romantic, familial, friendship, and above all, agape love, which is God’s sacrificial, unconditional love for us. This agape love is the highest form of love and is the love God calls us to receive and to give. It is not based on merit or feeling, but on a choice to seek the good of others, even at personal cost. As we experience God’s agape love, we are transformed and empowered to love others in the same way, breaking cycles of hurt and misunderstanding and building relationships that reflect God’s heart. [19:26]
Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Reflection: In what specific way can you demonstrate agape love to someone outside your immediate circle today, even if it requires sacrifice?
Day 4: Pursuing God’s Heart Leads to Experiencing and Expressing His Love
David’s life was marked by many failures, yet God called him a man after His own heart—not because David was perfect, but because he continually pursued God. In the same way, we are invited to seek God’s heart, to pursue His love, and to allow that love to change us. Our shortcomings do not disqualify us from God’s love; rather, as we chase after Him, we are empowered to experience His love more deeply and to express it to others. This pursuit is a journey, not a destination, and it is through this ongoing relationship that we grow in love and become vessels of God’s grace. [25:26]
Acts 13:22 (ESV)
And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to intentionally pursue God’s heart, even in the midst of your imperfections?
Day 5: Experiencing God’s Love Brings Strength and Completeness
God’s love is vast—wider, longer, higher, and deeper than we can fully comprehend. As we allow Christ to dwell in our hearts and our roots to grow deep into His love, we are strengthened and made complete. This love fills us, drives out resentment and unforgiveness, and empowers us to live with fullness and purpose. Experiencing God’s love is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a spiritual reality that transforms our hearts and lives. As we open ourselves to His love, we become more like Him and are able to share that love with the world. [31:48]
Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV)
That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Reflection: How can you make space today to truly experience God’s love in your heart, not just in your mind?
Quotes
But before we dive in the Fruit of the Spirit, in this love, let me tell you what love is not. So, love is not allowing, accepting, or conforming with everything and everyone. That's not love. Culture is trying to imitate God's love, and is doing, to be honest with you, a terrible job at it. Culture today is saying that if you don't agree with me, you don't love me. But that is not love. In my opinion, that is enabling. [00:04:21] (37 seconds)
You don't have to put up with the abusive situation in your life. So, you cannot abuse me and then say, but I love you. Love is not just a noun, it's not just a feeling. Love is also a verb that has to be shared. shown in our actions. When I was probably around six, six and a half years old, I remember a story exactly what happened when I was having breakfast. [00:06:13] (31 seconds)
When we go through life, when we go through circumstances, when we go through events, when we go through situations, what do we produce in our lives? Do we produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self -control? Or other things? Don't get me wrong. Sometimes we produce other things also. But we have to be intentional in pursuing this fruit. And by the way, if you read these things, the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit. It's one fruit. [00:10:47] (42 seconds)
It's not multiple. I would like you to think about this fruit of the Holy Spirit that includes all of those like an apple. See, a bud, a fruit bud that is on an apple tree has to stay connected to the tree to be able to grow to completion and to become a fruit. If it's going off, the tree is dying. So first has to be connected. This is the idea of the Holy Spirit is producing this fruit. And the Holy Spirit is the tree that we have to stay connected to. It's the same like Jesus said, I am the vine and you are the branches. [00:11:28] (44 seconds)
Now, the one that I want to talk, and the one that, in fact, the Bible talks the most, it's called agape love. And that is the love of God. Which, by the way, this love, it's sacrificial. Self -giving love that is primarily concerned with the good of someone else. God's love that we are called to emulate. This is the love most talked through the Bible, and the highest and most noble form of love is reserved for the love that God has for us and the love that he required for us to show to everyone. Not just to say, not just to few, not just to the one we choose to, but to everyone. [00:19:00] (56 seconds)
And by the way, they were so driven by the law, so obsessed with the law, that they missed the point of the law. See, in my opinion, the law is bringing, the law is separating us from the love of God. But the relationship with God is drawing us to the love of God. So, Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart. You must love the Lord your God with all your soul. You must love the Lord your God with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And second, it's equally important, you must love your neighbor as yourself. [00:20:21] (50 seconds)
Love is not a destination, it's a journey. Love requires active participation. It's about taking action, making choices, and demonstrating it sometimes through daily interactions. Love, like any relationship, evolves over time, if we keep pursuing it. [00:23:24] (26 seconds)
God said, I have found David, son of Jesse, the king of David, a man after my own heart. And many people think that David, God is not saying David was perfect like my heart. God is not saying that David was pure and completely conformed with God's heart. In fact, what God is saying is that David was a man pursuing, going after God's heart. [00:25:08] (33 seconds)
So, what I'm saying, friend, don't look at your shortfall. Pursue God, pursue God's heart, and that will empower you to experience his love. Which actually will lead you and empower you. to show love. I'm not talking about Eros love or Storge or Philia. I'm talking about experiencing God's agape love and expressing it to others. And we cannot do that without being empowered by the Holy Spirit. [00:26:15] (36 seconds)
But agape love, it's unconditional love and it's not from this world. It's actually out of this world. We are not born with agape love, but we are born again with agape love. When we accept Jesus in our life, when we accept Christ in our life, when we accept him as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit come in our lives. And that is bringing love and it's making us, helping us to understand God's love. It's the Spirit, it's the Holy Spirit that does all of that in us. [00:27:15] (41 seconds)
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