Love pt. 4
Throughout the Bible we are taught three things:
1. loving God is the first commandment
2. loving your neighbor is the second.
3. these trump all other commandments.
This is not a passing reference, but a theme that runs through the Old Testament, into the Gospels and the writings of Paul.
Deut. 6:4-5
Lev. 19:18
Mt. 22:35-40
Mk. 12:28-31
Lk. 10:25-28
Ro. 13:8-10
If you love God and love others, the entire law is fulfilled. There is nothing more to be said. Live a life of love, and you do fulfill the other commandments. We humans set up all kinds of proofs that we are good Christians:
- say your prayers.
- go to church.
- give 10%
- be in mission
- share your faith
Friends, we can do all of that, without love. I have seen it and so have you. Heck, we probably have done it out of obligation. While those are all good things, they are not the sign, not the mark of the Christian. Love is the mark, love is the sign.
Love God, Love others. Everything else hangs on that.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
1 comment:
Thank you for telling us simple stories so we can understand them so easily.
signed, missing you in LS!
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