Dana Bell

A few weeks ago at church, I was listening to a sermon that suggests that because love is a fruit of the Spirit, that only Christians can have that kind of love. I've also heard that because some men wear red socks, all who wear red socks are men. Many of our misconceptions are rooted in this kind of distorted logic, and much of politics and public relations is based on it.

The scripture does not say only Christians can love, or that all Christians love. I see people all of the time that love others unconditionally and unselfishly. The same can be said of the other fruit of the Spirit.

So, what is the Bible teaching when it refers to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians?

If you read the passage in its context, you can see that the fruit of the Spirit is in contrast to the works of the flesh. Because the fruit is characteristic of the Holy Spirit, those who are led by the Spirit should obviously exhibit that fruit.