This year, I'm taking a look at the list of the Fruit Of The Spirit, found in Galatians 5. The first fruit on this list is Love and last month, we focused specifically on Agape, unconditional love.
For my second instalment in this series, I decided to take a look at Eros Love. The Bible doesn't shy away from the concept of Eros, romantic love and gives us wise counsel for our hearts in this area.
I pray this little meditation can be a blessing to you today. Love Lucy x
Galatians 5:22-25
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Fruit Of Focus- Love (Eros)For my second instalment in this series, I decided to take a look at Eros Love. The Bible doesn't shy away from the concept of Eros, romantic love and gives us wise counsel for our hearts in this area.
I pray this little meditation can be a blessing to you today. Love Lucy x
Galatians 5:22-25
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
"Gracious Father, Gentle Saviour, Lord You have been good to me.
Jesus, You have saved my soul and called me to a life that’s free!
Help me Lord, to serve Your people. Keep my heart in check, I pray.
Since I now live by the Spirit, may I walk in step each day.
Give Your people true perspective, guide us Father, from above.
May our hearts have understanding when it comes to Eros love.
Subject of a thousand sonnets! Something we may seek in life.
Love that sweeps us off our feet! The love reserved for man and wife.
Help us not to rush these matters, nor confuse this love with lust.
May we be fulfilled in Christ and rest in You, the God we trust.
Help us, Lord to love our spouses, may we bring their day a lift.
Thank You for creating Eros! Truly, it’s a precious gift."
Song of Solomon 2:26
“My beloved is mine and I am his.”
Food For Thought
The word “Eros” was commonly used in the Greek-speaking world of the New Testament times. Interestingly, the word “Eros” doesn’t actually appear within the New Testament or Old Testament pages. The concept of physical, romantic love however, expressed in the context of marriage, is a topic that’s broached in the Old Testament and also affirmed in the New. 1 Corinthians 7:5 and Hebrews 13:4 are two New Testament examples of this.
The book known as, “The Song Of Solomon” or “Song Of Songs” gives us a few examples of Eros. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of romantic love and Scripture even speaks highly of the physical love between a man and a woman within marriage.
Hebrews 13:4 tells us that the marriage bed is undefiled. In other words, God isn’t prudish! God created Eros, romantic love to be expressed within a marriage between a husband and a wife. It’s a special kind of expression, intended to connect and strengthen the bond between spouses.
The role of Eros between a husband and wife is incredibly important and something God created to be enjoyed within this context.
Of course, it’s important not confuse Eros love with lust. While the former was created by God to be a blessing within marriage, the latter will lead us away from godly things.
The Bible wisely warns us to “guard our hearts” in Proverbs 4:23 and not to “stir up” nor “awaken love” until God’s perfect time, in Song of Solomon 8:4.
Romantic love isn’t something to be rushed into or pursued at all costs. Eros is a wonderful gift indeed within a marriage but our heart’s deepest desires are only met in Jesus. Our true fulfilment comes from Christ and the love He has bestowed upon us.
Questions For Personal Reflection
Can I see the wisdom of the Bible in warning us not to rush into a romantic love or physical relationship? Are my views on romantic love in-keeping with the Bible or have I been influenced by standards in today’s society? Do I desire a godly spouse in my life? If so, have I prayed for God’s wisdom and guiding hand in this area? Do I have a spouse who I can bless and give God thanks for today?
