Walk in love

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour (Eph. 5:2 KJV).

The believer’s walk of love is the epitome of Christian maturity and Christlikeness. God is love, and when His nature is fully immersed in us, we begin to walk in love. As much as the gifts of the Spirit-such as prophecy, miracles, and healing-are so needed to help build the house of God, they are not the highest indication of Christian maturity.

It is possible for a believer to operate in the tangible anointing of God, but have a character devoid of love. That is one reason why there will be surprises in heaven. The people we think will be in “top positions in heaven”, because of their visible ministry gifts, are not necessarily those that God will honor most.

Typically, as you grow in fellowship with the Spirit, yield to Him, and grow in the anointing, then you will spontaneously, naturally display Christ’s character. When you meet brethren with strong, tangible anointing on their lives, you will also see Jesus’ active, visible humility, tenderness, and love working through them.

Our Christian maturity is not primarily defined by the power and manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit, or by our testimony. It is defined by our fruit, and the greatest fruit of the Spirit is love.

MEDITATE

Can you list 5 qualities of Christian love to look for in your own life, and the lives of other believers? See 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

APPLY THE WORD

How is your walk of love doing? Loving God is not enough. The walk of love is revealed in loving the people around you. Watch for opportunities to grow and walk in love.