Class Two: Love and Joy

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such there is no law."

Part Two: Love and Joy in Dating

When we walk in the Spirit, we produce these qualities in our lives. Love and joy are foundational fruits of the Spirit that shape how we approach relationships.

1. Love: The Foundation of a Godly Relationship

The Greek word for love in Galatians 5:22 is "agape," which refers to a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. Unlike worldly love, agape love is a choice rather than a feeling. It seeks to serve and benefit others, reflecting the very love that Christ demonstrated for us.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13)

Agape love means:

• Loving even when it is difficult.

• Forgiving even when we have been wronged.

• Showing kindness and compassion even when it is undeserved.

Living out this love requires surrendering our own selfish desires and seeking the good of others before ourselves.

Red Flags That Someone Lacks Agape Love:

1. Selfishness – If someone consistently prioritizes their own needs and desires over yours, they may not understand sacrificial love.

2. Bitterness – Holding onto anger and resentment indicates an unwillingness to forgive, which contradicts agape love.

3. Lack of Empathy – An inability to understand or show compassion for others’ struggles is a sign of a heart that has not fully embraced God’s love.

2. Joy: A Deep, Unshakable Gladness

The Greek word for joy in Galatians 5:22 is "chara," which refers to a deep sense of gladness and delight that comes from a relationship with God. Unlike happiness, which depends on circumstances, joy is a fruit of the Spirit that sustains us even in trials.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)

Living out this joy means:

• Trusting in God’s goodness and sovereignty, even in difficulties.

• Finding contentment in Christ rather than external circumstances.

• Expressing gratitude and hope regardless of life’s ups and downs.

Red Flags That Someone Lacks Spiritual Joy:

1. Selfishness – A person who is always focused on themselves may lack the joy that comes from serving others.

2. Anger or Bitterness – Holding onto resentment prevents true joy from flourishing.

3. Lack of Gratitude – A person who complains or focuses on the negative struggles to experience the joy that comes from trusting God.

Self-Examination: Do You Walk in Love and Joy?

A deep soul-searching question to ask yourself:

Do I love and find joy in the things that God loves and finds joy in?

Consider:

• Do I love people as God loves them, even when it is difficult?

• Do I find joy in seeing others flourish in their faith?

• Do I experience joy in serving and loving others, even when it requires sacrifice?

• Can I trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances are difficult?

Pursuing Love and Joy in Relationships

To cultivate Spirit-led love and joy in dating:

1. Seek a partner who displays these fruits – Look for someone who loves unconditionally and finds joy in Godrather than fleeting circumstances.

2. Grow in these qualities yourself – Before seeking love in another, ensure that you walk in the Spirit and exhibit agape love and true joy.

3. Pray for guidance – Trust God to lead you into relationships that align with His will.

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25)

By choosing to walk in love and joy, we align our relationships with God’s design, fostering harmony and deep fulfillment.

Next Class: Peace and Patience in Relationships