It ought to be obvious to us, but sometimes it’s like looking for something that’s right under your nose. You don’t know why, but you just can’t find it.
Ephesians 4 and 1 John 4, both make the very clear connection between what it means to walk in the Spirit and to walk in love. For example, Ephesians 4:3 tells us to make every effort to keept the unity of the Spirit…” The verses following make it clear that the true Christian life is a Spirit-led life, and that means, among other things, that we will live a life characterized by love for others.
Just note how many commands in Ephesians 4, relate to love. In fact, the very first verse “…I urge you to live a live worthy of the calling you have received” hints at the fact that if I am not showing love for others, then that right there, gives me a failing grade on the entire “worthy of the calling” idea.
But it is even more clear in other places. Verse 15 indicates that the more I mature, the more I will speak the truth in love…Verse 30 tells me not to grieve the Holy Spirit…and verse 32 reminds me that I am to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. These are truly expressions of love, don’t you agree?
I John 4 is even more explicit about this connection between the Spirit and love. Verse 12 says we know that he is in us because he has given us his spirit….and that leads us to verse 16 that tells us “…whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
I’ve been preaching a series on the Holy Spirit and how He transforms our lives. Perhaps the most important way to know whether or not we are really being led by the Spirit is simply: Am I walking in love toward others? Is the love of God for others what is dominating my mind, my relationships, my day?
It’s easy for us to just get so task oriented and so focused on what we have to accomplish, and what our problems and worries are and…blah blah blah…And you know what? When I get like that, I can’t even stand to be around myself!
But when I stop thinking about me, me, me, and I start looking to see who I can show love to…it’s amazing how the Spirit of God transforms my “sorrow into dancing.” And, let’s face it…watching a Baptist pastor dance is enough to make anyone smile.