What the World Needs Now

In this message centering on the first aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit, Chuck Swindoll explores the preeminence of love (agape) in the life of the believer. Swindoll begins by anchoring the study in Galatians 5, noting that the fruit of the Spirit is not a list of ingredients to be selected individually, but a "cluster of nine delicious virtues" that begins with love. He argues that while symbols like fish stickers, cross jewelry, or carrying a Bible might identify a religious person, Jesus made it clear in John 13 that love is the only ultimate, convincing mark of a true disciple [2, 9–10]. Swindoll turns to the "prose poem" of 1 Corinthians 13 to define the nature of this love. He contrasts divine agape love—which seeks the highest good of others without expecting anything in return—with the reciprocal loves of eros (sensual) and philia (friendship) [11–12]. Through Paul’s writing, Swindoll establishes a sobering spiritual equation: no matter how gifted, eloquent, knowledgeable, or generous a person is, if they lack love, they amount to zero [14–15]. The message moves from theological definition to practical application using the acronym L.O.V.E. (Listen, Overlook, Value, Express). Swindoll illustrates the power of this approach with a personal story involving his former professor, Dr. Bruce Waltke. During a visit to a Christian Science church, Waltke chose to listen gently to a woman’s false doctrine rather than win a theological debate, demonstrating that "love wins a hearing" long before truth can be driven home [23–25]. Swindoll concludes by reminding the listener that love is a decision, not just a feeling, and that "love isn't love until it's given away".

Message Key Facts:

• The Meaning of "To the End": Commenting on John 13:1, Swindoll explains the Greek phrase eis telos. While it can mean "until the end of life," in this context, it means Jesus loved them "to the maximum" or to the ultimate degree. He loved them through their failures, denials, and thick and thin.
• The Badge of Discipleship: Swindoll notes that while the disciples were known by their physical proximity to Jesus while He was on earth, after His departure, they were to be known by two specific marks: humility (demonstrated by the foot washing) and love for one another (the new commandment) [7–9].
• Three Greek Words for Love:
  • Eros: Erotic, sensual love (never found in the New Testament).
  • Philia: Friendship and affection (reciprocal).
  • Agape: Seeking the highest good of another (unconditional and often non-reciprocal) [11–12].
• Paul’s Mathematical Formula: Swindoll summarizes 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 with a simple formula: "All things plus everything minus love equals zero." Even martyrdom or understanding all of God's secrets counts for nothing without agape.
• Cruel as the Grave: Swindoll admits to his own struggles with jealousy early in his marriage, citing the Song of Solomon to remind listeners that "jealousy is as cruel as the grave." Love, by contrast, is not jealous and applauds the success of others [17–18].
• The L.O.V.E. Acronym: Swindoll offers a practical way to practice love:
  • L – Listen: Lean in and pay attention.
  • O – Overlook: Ignore minor faults and failures.
  • V – Value: Respect the time and opinions of others, even children.
  • E – Express: Love must be demonstrated; it is a decision, not just a feeling [20–21].
• The Bruce Waltke Illustration: Swindoll shares a story where he wanted his professor, Dr. Bruce Waltke, to debate a woman teaching false doctrine at a Christian Science church. Waltke refused, telling Swindoll, "That wouldn't have been love, would it?" Waltke’s kindness eventually led the woman to listen to the Gospel, proving that winning the person is more important than winning the argument [22–25].
• "Love Wins a Hearing": Swindoll asserts that you will never win a wayward child or a neighbor back by merely driving home truth. Love opens the door for truth to be heard.

Message References:

• Galatians 5:22–23: The list of the fruit of the Spirit, beginning with love.
• John 13:34–35: The "New Commandment" to love one another as the proof of discipleship.
• 1 Corinthians 13: The primary text defining the necessity and characteristics of agape love [2–3].
• John 13:1: "He loved them to the end" (eis telos—to the maximum).
• Song of Solomon 8:6: Referenced regarding jealousy: "Jealousy is as cruel as the grave".
• John 8: Referenced regarding the woman taken in adultery, illustrating Jesus' non-condemning love.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll