“Love is the acid test of spiritual formation.”
-John Mark Comer

Spiritual formation is the act of allowing God to shape us so that our lives look like the life of Jesus. Spiritual formation does not miraculously happen. It takes place over years of being with Jesus and doing what Jesus says as the Holy Spirit shapes us. Spiritual formation is not a “Christian” idea. We can look at a person’s life, beliefs, words, and actions and see what has shaped them. Social media, politics, celebrity, philosophy, and religion are some forces that shape us. 

As apprentices of Jesus, love should be the thing that sets us apart from those who do not follow Jesus. In Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul writes that the Fruit of the Spirit, the evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Goodness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control. These characteristics all flow out of our ability to love. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes that we can do all sorts of great things for the Kingdom, but if we do not love, we are nothing.

If we are to live as apprentices (disciples) of Jesus Christ, we must love as Jesus loved. Our lives should bear fruit that points people to Jesus. If we are to live as Jesus lived, then others will experience the love of Christ through us. Love should be formed in our lives because of Jesus.

Brothers and sisters, as our world becomes more polarized, let us live such good lives that the world may glorify God (1 Peter 2:12). Let us sow love generously as we follow in the footsteps of our Master.