Bearing the Fruit of Divine Love

I once had a dream where the whole world was united in divine love. That love began in our hearts as a golden light radiating throughout our bodies. As that love moved outside our bodies, it became like a fabric that interconnected us. I felt complete oneness with all people, all of creation, and God.

As the dream progressed, my youngest sister, Emme, lost something precious to her. As I asked her what she was looking for, my father, who was standing at a distance, criticized Emme for her constant irresponsibility. Instead of responding to him, I had an inner knowing that his words were not beneficial and that it rather would be more helpful to help Emme focus on a solution. 

People surrounded us, and Emme feared someone would steal her precious item. I reminded her that now that we were all one, we wouldn’t have to fear anyone taking what wasn’t theirs. Even more, we could trust others and ask for help finding her item; ultimately, I knew they would pitch in and help out of mutual love for their neighbor. And that’s precisely what happened. Within a few moments, Emme’s item was found.

This dream left a deep impression on me. Oneness with God is a subject I meditate on often, and I’ve had spiritual experiences that have given me a glimpse of what pure oneness with humanity could be like. Divine love is always at the center of it. 

As I sought God for revelation and the practical application of this dream in my daily life, the fruit of the Spirit was highlighted to me. A moment that stood out strongly was my choice not to react to or reinforce my father’s harsh words to my sister (a fleshly response); instead, I chose loving action (a spiritual response). Like a doctor prescribing specific medicines to heal an ailment, the voice of divine love in my heart prescribed gentleness, patience, and peace as a remedy to Emme’s predicament. 

As the Passion Translation describes beautifully, “the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions.” As I’ve experienced in my walk with God, divine love comes in many forms. And through the Holy Spirit and according to the new covenant, God’s law of divine love is written upon the tablets of our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). As we abide in Christ and bear the fruit of the Spirit, we have an abundant harvest to draw from to remedy every situation in our lives. 

Galatians 5:22-24 (TPT) But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

Jeremiah 31:33-34 (ESV) For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

[ “Bearing the Fruit of Divine Love” originally posted on Waiting in the Wings, reposted in its entirety with permission.]