“Now I ask you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf” (Rom. 15:30).
“For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness. Therefore he that despises does not despise man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. As concerning brotherly love, you do not need me to write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another” (1 Thess. 4:7-9).
The love of God changes your heart, saves your soul, renews your mind and refreshes your strength.
When the Bible talks about love, it is talking about the very essence of God. The Holy Spirit for all eternity lives in perfect love with the Father and Son. While on the earth, this loving relationship continued as the Holy Spirit journeyed with Jesus like a friend through every moment of every day.
Despite being hated by mobs, used by crowds, denied and betrayed by friends, Jesus still had one loving relationship that He could always count on—His friend circle with the Father and Spirit. This loving friendship helped Jesus to live in love and have the grace to be loving toward others.
The church father Augustine says something that applies to Christ and the Christian: “Whoever loves already has the Holy Spirit, and by having him he becomes worthy of having even more of him. And the more he has the Spirit the more he loves.”
Augustine rightly says that no one can love like God without the Spirit of Love. When we see God’s love, we know God’s Spirit is the source of that love.
For this reason, when the Bible speaks of love, it points to the Holy Spirit as the source of love in Jesus’ life and our lives. Romans 15:30 speaks of “the love of the Spirit.” Colossians 1:8 speaks of “love in the Spirit.” First Thessalonians 4:7-9 speaks of the “Holy Spirit” who causes “brotherly love” so that we can “love one another.” Apples come from apple trees, grapes come from grape vines, and Christian love comes from the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever seen a successful person explain their success? A world-class athlete, musician, or leader often explains their success by talking at length and with great affection for the people who loved them, supported them and sacrificed for them. They talk about their moms, dads, grandparents, best friends, spouses, or other people who loved them the best and remained with them as supporters in the toughest of times. While Jesus was on the earth, this role was filled by the Holy Spirit who loved Him and empowered Him to love others. {eoa}
Mark Driscoll is a Jesus-following, mission-leading, church-serving, people-loving, Bible-preaching pastor and the author of many books, including Spirit-Filled Jesus, which you can order here. He currently pastors The Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his family. For all of pastor Mark Driscoll’s Bible teaching, please visit markdriscoll.org or download the app. You can download a free devotional e-book from Pastor Mark here.
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Bill Wiese 
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Rabbi Eric Tokajer 
