Love Your Neighbor…

Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Our Verse of the Day should be quite familiar, but do we really pay attention to what it says? Do we practice what is commands? Notice the text says “anyone among your people.” Does that mean within our church? Our community? Our country? In the context of the Old Testament, I believe this would have referred to the nation of Israel or the community of fellow Hebrews. They were called to love another as fellow citizens and heirs of the covenant. By implication, Christians, have a similar command to love another within the community of believers (brothers and sisters). Indeed, love does not seek revenge or hold a grudge against a fellow believer

When we look at the content of Leviticus 19, it prefaces how God desires our relationships with Him and with others to be carried out: “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Holiness is the foundation upon which love for God and our fellow man is to be lived out. The chapter ends with Verse 37: “Keep all my decrees and all my laws and follow them. I am the Lord.” And the application we will observe is that Jesus affirms love for God and love for people is the essence … the fulfillment of all the commandments. If you remember, Jesus said: “If you love me, keep my commands.” (Cf. John 14:15) And Jesus defined His command as well: “My command is this: “Love each other as I have loved you.” (Cf. John 15:12, 17)

Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Mark 12:28-31 (NIV)

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Luke 10:25-28 (NIV)

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” He replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

Further, we see that the Apostle Paul affirms this same theological approach with regard to Leviticus 19:18

Romans 13:8-10 (NIV)

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the Law.

Galatians 5:13-14 (NIV)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh (sinful nature); rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire Law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

My friends, we cannot dismiss the command of love as the fulfillment of what God requires in our relationships with Him and each other. We need to realize that love requires our complete surrender and submission to God. It requires the denial of self-will and the discipline of self-sacrifice. When we take up our cross each day, the purpose is to die to the sin that lives within our flesh. Indeed, the command to love is rooted in the call to sanctification … the conviction of holiness. Yes, we are admonished to “make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Cf. Hebrews 12:14) Thus, I encourage us all to see “love your neighbor as yourself” through the lens of holiness. And I pray that as image bearers of our holy God, we will make every effort to fulfill the royal law of love through sanctified hearts and lives. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ~ Colossians 3:12-14

Be Devoted to Others…

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Our Verse of the Day continues to examine the expectations and qualities of our personal relationships with others. These are always great reminders when we might feel otherwise in our attitudes with other people. The Apostles give us some practical ways to demonstrate love … to be devoted to one another in love and to honor others above ourselves:

Romans 13:8-10 (NIV)

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” (Citing Exodus 20:13-17; Deuteronomy 5:17-21) and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Citing Leviticus 19:18) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

Galatians 6:1-3 (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 (NIV)

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more….

James 2:8-9 (NIV)

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show favoritism, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

1 Peter 1:22-23 (NIV)

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.

1 John 3:11-18 (NIV)

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s actions were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Well, if you are struggling with loving other people as God sees them, especially those you consider the most unlovable, then I hope these Scriptures will give you some renewed encouragement to love as God in Christ has demonstrated His love for you. When it hurts to love because someone has hurt us … when it is not convenient to love because it takes of our time … when it is difficult to love because we have disagreements … when love requires financial sacrifice to provide for the needs of others … how do we put the unmerited, compassionate, agape love of God into action – in real terms? I am reminded that Jesus addressed this issue for us:

Luke 6:27-36 (NIV)

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most-High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

As I mediated on all these scriptures, the word “kindness” came to mind. Jesus said that God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked – like many of us before we received the grace of repentance and came to a knowledge of the truth in Christ Jesus! Kindness is the greatest demonstration of the other fruit of the Spirit. Love, peace, goodness, gentleness, and self-control can all be expressed through our kindness. And kindness is inherent in longsuffering and faithfulness. Paul observed it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance (Cf. Romans 2:4). So, I think the kindness we extend to others should have this same intention. Indeed, “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (Cf. James 2:13)

My friends, I think it is important for us to remember that God expressed His “unmerited” love through the riches of His kindness. As Paul wrote: “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Cf. Romans 5:8) There is nothing we did to earn it or deserve it. We are sinners saved by grace alone! (Cf. Ephesians 2:5) And so, I believe it follows that we are to love others without consideration of “merit”. We are not to love others because they deserve our love, forgiveness, or compassion; rather, we are to love others and to be merciful to them fully for the sake of love itself … while they too are yet sinners. That is HOW God has loved us … without condition! Amen!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had toward you. ~ Philippians 2:3-5

No Fear In Love…

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Our Verse of the Day presents a challenge to us in view of its surrounding context. I think we need to understand the meaning of the words translated “perfect” and “fear” within the context of the larger passage, so I’ll reprint it for us:

1 John 4:7-21 (NIV)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete (perfect) in us.

This is how we know that we live in God and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because God first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And Jesus has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

The word “perfect” can be translated “complete” or “completed” – not perfection in the sense that we are without flaw. It connotes the idea of “bringing into fulfillment.” When love has been perfected or completed, it has come full circle and is finished. Think about the words of our Lord Jesus upon the cross when He announced: “It is finished!” (Cf. John 19:30) His sacrificial death demonstrated the love (agape) that brought eternal life into fulfillment for us.

The word “fear” used in this verse should be translated in the same manner that we usually associate with this word. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it to mean “painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger.” Fear can conjure feelings of dread, alarm, panic, terror, and trepidation – adding the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation. Aversion and anxiety are present within this emotion.

And so, with these definitions in mind, I think we can readily begin to see the connections within this passage of Scripture. Remember, Jesus instructed: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (Cf. John 13:34) And we should not lose sight that this is a command … not a suggestion. John focuses on this command to remind believers of its imperative and significance. Why? Because we will all face the Day of Judgment! As it is written: “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Cf. Hebrews 9:27) And, “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10) And, “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Cf. Romans 14:10)

And so, the certitude of judgment for the life we have lived enters our thoughts; and perhaps, a sense of fear, dread, or trepidation accompanies it. I think these feelings are natural to us … but John shares how we can face the Day of Judgment without fear. Yes, he asserts we can face our judgment with confidence in this: Perfect (complete) love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and the one who faces their judgment with fear has not been made perfect (complete) in love. So, this raises the question: “How do we know if love is perfected or completed in us?” “How can we have confidence on the Day of Judgment?”

The answer lies in Verse 17! What does it say? “In this world we are like Jesus!” Indeed, John affirms to us: “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” (Cf. 1 John 2:6) Just as Jesus taught, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Cf. Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23) We cannot escape the point being made here. If we want to have confidence on the Day of Judgment, then we must live as Jesus lived … we must love as Jesus loved. This is the heart of our response to the gift of His grace – seen in the light of the Gospel!

Again, as we have studied, John emphasizes some key theological points for us: Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete (perfect) in us. How is it made complete? In this world we are like Jesus! And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. And, “This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit! Yes, the Spirit guides us into the truth and empowers us to put it into practice. His love is what activates our faith! As Peter wrote: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” (Cf. 2 Peter 1:3)

Confidence! That is what I pray would fill each of us on that Day! Not confidence in our abilities or self-perceived virtues, but confidence in His power to equip us with His Spirit to love one another in truth. And if there is any fear or hesitation … any dread or trepidation within us now, we know how this fear can be allayed. The answer lies in Jesus – the author and perfecter of our faith! We look to Him and His merciful love. We look to His teachings and example. We abide in His unfailing grace and intercession. We repent of self-centeredness and humble ourselves. We deny ourselves and pick up our crosses to follow Him. In weakness, we share in the fellowship of His sufferings. Indeed, Jesus calls us to return to our first love … to the One who loved us first. Oh, my friends, His love being completed in us and through us is HOW we are empowered to stand before Him with confidence on that Day! So, I thank John for the insight, wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement he imparts in this epistle to prompt us toward completion! Yes, may the fullness of love become the sole focus of our faith! Oh, Father, may we live as Jesus lived … and love as Jesus loved! Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ~ James 2:12-17

Love Does No Harm…

Romans 13:9-10 (NIV)

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

When we look at the commandment to love, we need look no further than the Ten Commandments themselves. The first four commandments address our love for God. The last six commandments address our love for others. Indeed, these commandments instill in us that our personal relationships are to be guided and governed according to the will of God! Father God has expressed His will in these commandments that were given through Moses and written on tablets of stone. Likewise, in the New Covenant given to us in Jesus, God has put them in our minds and written them on the tablets of our hearts. (Cf. Jeremiah 31:32-34)

I find it interesting that the Ten Commandments only address relationships … first and foremost our relationship with God; and secondly, our relationships with one another. I believe this stems from the truth that God is love; and love by nature and function is relational. Further, it appears that all other commandments, statutes, and ordinances we find in the Torah were written to provide more structured detail for the observance of these Ten Commandments. So, in our Verse of the Day, Paul explains to us that love should supersede all other behaviors. Love will cause no harm to another person; therefore, love is the fulfillment of God’s covenant of love – engraved in these Ten Commandments.

Let’s look at the commandments as recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 in summary:

1. You shall worship no other gods before God.

2. You shall make no images or idols in place of God.

3. You shall not misuse the name of God.

4. You shall observe the Sabbath Day of God.

5. Honor your father and mother.

6. You must not murder.

7. You must not commit adultery.

8. You must not steal.

9. You must not lie.

10. You must not covet.

In addition, I think it is important for us to see how Jesus summarized and affirmed these commandments in His response to the Jewish authorities who had questioned Him on the matter:

Matthew 22:35-40 (NIV)

One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (Citing Deuteronomy 6:5) This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Citing Leviticus 19:18)All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The First Commandment is expressed through Commandments 1-4; while the Second Commandment is expressed through Commandments 5-10. And ultimately, both the Apostle John and the Apostle Paul help us to understand that through obedience of the commandment “ to love your neighbor as yourself,” we necessarily fulfill both commandments! John asserted: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (Cf. 1 John 4:19-21) Likewise, our Verse of the Day captures this same theology. For both have expressed what Jesus taught: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (Cf. John 15:12; 17) So we see that a singular command … to love one another … a central theme for our worship of God Himself. Love is how we fulfill the supreme Law of God! Indeed, when we love others in truth … we love God in truth! Yes, love is HOW we worship the Father in the Spirit and in Truth!

Father God, we thank you that you continue to humble us and to teach us the ultimate expression of what it means to worship you … LOVE. Holy Spirit, we ask for you to examine our hearts … to know our hearts and to test them. Reveal the thoughts and the inclinations of our hearts. Lord Jesus, thank you for your blood … the blood of the new and everlasting covenant that cleanses us and secures us in the way of love … the way that leads us to everlasting life in You! Oh, I pray that we might remain in your love; for you said that if we keep your commands, we would remain in your love. And your command is that we love each other as you have loved us! Oh, Lord Jesus, let the joy of your love be within us! Let us complete your joy as we serve one another and fulfill your command. Yes, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven! In the power of Your Great Name, I pray! Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. ~ Galatians 5:13-15

This Is The Message…

1 John 3:11 (NIV)

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

Our Verse of the Day continues to affirm the message for us to love one another. Indeed, this is the highest command of God: to love Him and to love one another. To love others is not optional! It is an intentional action that comes from hearts that have been changed by the love of God.

1 John 3:16-18 (NIV)

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Philippians 2:1-5 (NIV)

Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

If we truly believe God at His Word, then our faith will be seen through its response of love. Yes, “As I have loved you, so you MUST love one another. By this everyone will know that you ARE my disciples – if you love one another. (Cf. John 13:34-35) Jesus once asked His followers: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?” (Cf. Luke 6:46) It is a penetrating question for us to answer as well; and yet, Jesus affords us some insight into what it means to be obedient to His Word:

Luke 6:47-49 (NRSV)

I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the waters pressed against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground (sand) without a foundation. When the floodwaters pressed against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.”

Oh, Lord, I pray that each one of us will embrace the knowledge that love is the fulfillment of Your commands to us. Yes, love is your expressed will for our lives as believers! Let us, therefore, be imitators of You and follow Your example. As beloved children, let us walk in the way of love, just as You loved us and gave Yourself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God the Father. (Cf. Ephesians 5:1-2) Oh, Lord, I pray that love will be the foundation upon which we build our lives. Indeed, let us be wise when we call you, “Lord!” And may we endeavor to be like you, Lord Jesus, in this world! In Your Mighty Name, I pray. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

This is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love. ~ 2 John 1:6

Jesus Raised The Bar…

Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV)

You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Our Verse of the Day is another lesson on the command of Christ Jesus for us to love another as He has loved us. (Cf. John 13:34) In this passage, I observe that Jesus has raised the bar. The expression of love toward others is not limited only to those we love or those that love us. No, the expectation is higher – that we would love even our enemies and those who hate us. Why? Because God loves the whole world … even those who express hatred toward Him or Jesus, His Son. God our Father is not willing that anyone should perish but that everyone would come to repentance. (Cf. 2 Peter 3:8-9) To be sure, judgment will come to those who do not believe in Christ Jesus. But in His patience and longsuffering, God is benevolent to all … displaying the riches of His grace and kindness in order to lead people to repentance. (Cf. Romans 2:4) So in this passage, Jesus shares a couple of simple examples of this kindness: He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Think about what Jesus is saying here. God is good and gracious to all people regardless of the intent of their hearts or their manner of life. Everyone on the earth experiences the sun rise each day. Everyone receives the rain when it falls. The goodness of God is evident in His creation regardless of whether a person recognizes it or not. So, I believe Jesus implies that we are to be like-minded in our attitudes and conduct toward others. While it may be hard to fathom … much less perform … we are called to be indiscriminately gracious and kind to all. We are not to love others based on whether they deserve it; rather, we are to be merciful to the ungrateful and the evil just like our Father has been in His dealings with us. When we reflect the nature of God, when we imitate His benevolence to others, we show that we are His children. As Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Cf. John 13:35) I want us to look at this same passage in the Gospel of Luke because it has a little more detail in the narrative:

Luke 6:27-38 (NIV)

“But I say to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your shirt (tunic) either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

In reading this passage in its full context, I think there is a lesson that we could miss with just a casual reading. Yes, we realize that we are to be nice people as Christians. We are to be merciful, kind, forgiving, and generous toward others; but just as I said earlier, Jesus raised the bar! He said to lend, expecting nothing in return. He said to judge not and condemn not because you and I will be held to the same standard of judgment or condemnation we measure to others. Yet, notice that Jesus indicated there would be favor for those who follow His instruction. When we love our enemies, and do good, and lend without expectation for reciprocation, we will receive “great reward” as children of the Most-High God! If we do not judge others, we will not be judged. If we do not condemn others, we will not be condemned. If we give, it will be returned by God in ways that will overflow in abundance to us! And please observe that Jesus does not qualify whether the person we encounter is worthy of such mercy or kindness … on any level. We were not worthy either when He rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves. (Cf. Colossians 1:13)

I think Paul was quite eloquent on this issue when he wrote: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! (Cf. Romans 5:6-10)

Sinners are justified by the blood of Christ! There is no other justification available before our Holy God! So, no amount of focus and hostility toward others with a self-righteous attitude is going to lead them to the reconciliation they want and need. It is by grace we have been saved, through faith – and this is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast. (Cf. Ephesians 2:8-9) None of us is worthy! I repeat … none of us is worthy of the price that was paid for our sin. It was the kindness of God our Savior who gave Himself for all who would come to faith. And those who are ungodly (like we were) need our Savior … not our judgment or condemnation! (Cf. Titus:3-5) In fact, neither of these indictments were the intent of God when He sent our Lord Jesus into world:

John 3:16-17 (ESV)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.

John 5:21-23 (ESV)

For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

John 8:15-16 (ESV)

You judge according to human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.

John 12:46-47 (ESV)

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

My friends, we need to understand the heart of this message. When God took the judgment for our sin and removed the condemnation of our own darkness and unbelief (Cf. John 3:18; Romans 8:1), He did so out of His mercy and love. His pardon of our sin was unmerited and undeserved! So, who are we to pass judgment or condemnation on anyone? My thought is that we need to focus less on the sins of others, and more on leading them to Christ! Jesus called us to be merciful, even as our Father is merciful. So I believe this is the mindset we should have in our relationships with everyone.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

For God our Savior wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Yes, there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people; and this has now been witnessed to at the proper time. ~ 1 Timothy 2:3-6

Love Your Neighbor…

Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Our Verse of the Day reminds us of what we have heard since childhood – known as the “Golden Rule.” Instilled within us was the adage: “Treat other people the same way you want them to treat you.” You will find this same message recorded in Luke 6:31 as well. This relational concept stems from the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” found in Leviticus 19:18. Jesus quotes this OT passage in His teachings found at Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, and Luke 10:27. But Jesus goes on to explain that love is the essence of what all the Law and the Prophets were revealing from God.

The Apostle Paul affirmed this teaching in his epistles:

Romans 12:9-11 (NIV)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 13:8-10 (NIV)

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Galatians 5:13-15 (NIV)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

The Apostle Peter confirmed the same instruction:

1 Peter 1:21-23 (NIV)

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

And the Apostle John preserved for us the spiritual depth of this command: To love one another as Jesus has loved us:

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 3:10-11 (NIV)

This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 4:11-13 (NIV)

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.

So, I pray we will take this message to heart as we prepare for His Coming. I pray we will make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. I pray we will be proactive in our communities to show the love of God to others … bringing the Good News of Jesus to fill their hearts with the knowledge of the truth: “For God so loved the world.” Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

If you fulfil the royal law according to the scripture that says, you shall love your neighbor as yourself – you do well. ~ James 2:8

Love Each Other…

1 John 4:20-21 (NIV)

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Our Verse of the Day is quite direct in its message and delivery. The Apostle John does not mince words. Saying you love God but having hatred in your heart towards another believer is wrong. It is hypocritical. John will call you out as a liar. Pretty strong … perhaps even harsh words to use. John indicates there is a chasm between what you say and what your heart manifests in reality. So, I think we all need to do a heart check from time to time. We need to examine our feelings towards others we tend to dislike, distrust, or disagree with. John goes on to state that “loving others” is a command. Thus, it is not optional to obey!

As Moses instructed:

Leviticus 19:17-18 (NIV)

¹⁷“‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. ¹⁸“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

As Jesus taught:

Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)

³⁶“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” ³⁷Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

As Paul explained:

Romans 13:8-10 (NIV)

⁸Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. ⁹The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁰Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

As James exhorted:

James 2:8-9 (NIV)

⁸If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. ⁹But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

When Jesus spoke with His disciples during the last Passover meal, He told them: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Cf. John 13:34-35) No doubt there were many dimensions and demonstrations of His love that Jesus had in mind; yet I cannot help but think that being an ambassador of reconciliation with the Father was foremost – because that was the very reason Jesus was sent by the Father. As John affirmed: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (Cf. 1 John 4:10) And so, I believe this portrait of love should be the origin of every thought … of every motive … of every action we take to love others as He has loved us. It was LOVE that compelled Jesus to finish the work the Father gave Him to do. Indeed, this is the greatest message of love that we could ever share with another person. And it is love for others that should compel us to do so … to make the most of every opportunity we are given by the Father to share the good news of Jesus Christ.…

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. ~ John 15:9-17

Hate Evil … Love Good

Amos 5:14-15 (NIV)

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.

Our Verse of the Day continues the call to repentance and to righteousness. In Amos 5 we read his lament about what is going on in Israel at that time in history. There is injustice occurring. The rulers and authorities are oppressing the poor while they maintain exorbitant standards of living for themselves at the expense of the people. In their piety, these self-righteous religious leaders think they have close relationships with God. However, Amos calls them out. He said, “Seek good, not evil, that you may live. THEN, the Lord God Almighty will (in truth) be with you … just as YOU say He is. These self-deceived religious leaders think God is with them, yet Amos exposes their hypocrisy. Said another way, “You say that God is with you, but in truth, He is not and will not be with you unless you seek good and not evil.” In essence, their conduct is labeled evil and religious self-deception has overtaken them….

If you read the remainder of the chapter, God pronounces His judgment of their sinful conduct … just as God has carried out His judgments upon Israel throughout its history. Why? Because of their rebellion and disobedience … because of their hypocrisy. God does not delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices that are nothing more than token worship. God is not with those who merely give Him lip service. God is not with those who offer blemished and defective sacrifices. God is not with those who commit injustice … who oppress the poor or do evil. David said, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) We cannot pretend anything before God and then believe that He is with us. “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in TRUTH.” (John 4:24) So Amos is calling out religious hypocrisy for what it is. You cannot serve yourself and think that you are serving God….

The application of this Word to our hearts should be evident, but I will state it: God has and will always judge sinful conduct. Rebellion, disobedience, and evil conduct has no place or inheritance in the Kingdom of God … you can be sure! (Cf. 1 Corinthians 6:8-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5) And even James wrote: “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?” (Cf. James 2:5) These verses we have been receiving are wake up calls! They are sent to confront us … to challenge us … to direct us into the way of love. “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the Law.” (Romans 13:10)

So, I pray we will think deeply about the implications of this prophetic word spoken to Israel because it applies to us today as well … in this moment of history. As the Prophet Micah affirmed: “The Lord does not change!” (Cf. Malachi 3:6) Therefore, let us examine our hearts as God urged His people of old to do. “Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. (Cf. Zechariah 1:4)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. ~ Psalm 97:10 (NIV)

The fear of the Lord is to hate what is sinful. I hate pride, self-love, the way of sin, and lies. ~ Proverbs 8:13 (NLV)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ~ Romans 12:9

Follow God’s Example…

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Our Verse of the Day brings a challenge to us as believers in response to having placed our faith in Jesus. We have been born again of the Holy Spirit; and we have been GIVEN the right (authority) to become children of God and to receive “adoption to sonship”. (Cf. John 1:12-13; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5) And because we love the Son, we love the Father who sent Him. This is why we are dearly loved children of God. But this love did not originate with us; rather, it is our response to His love for us. (Cf. 1 John 4:19) And so we are called to walk in the way of love – in the same manner as Christ loved. Then, Paul goes on here to briefly summarize how His love was demonstrated: “He gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

This theme reverberates throughout the New Testament writings of the apostles. Paul wrote, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Indeed, it is central to our response to the grace of God and a commandment of Jesus Himself. In John 13:34, Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Likewise, in John 15:12, Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” There is no ambiguity here. His command does not require theological research or debate. But maybe the guidance of Paul to give us descriptive and practical ways of demonstrating love to one another would be helpful….

As I thought about the many passages in which Paul addresses the demonstration of love, I kept coming back to the guiding principle where he wrote, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-3) You see, love is rooted in mercy. It is in the light of mercy that we see love manifested. Think of a new born baby. It is completely helpless and defenseless upon entrance into the world. Yet mercy demands that care and nurture to be provided – behaviors we would consider a profound demonstration of love. The “living sacrifice” of parents becomes evident from the moment of birth. So, in the same way, God cares for us. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103:13)

Paul will continue through Romans 12:3-21 to bring full definition to love in action; but I think the conclusion for us is that love in its highest expression is sacrificial. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10) Love begins with sacrifice. It means to give something of higher value in return for something of lesser value. It means to suffer loss. This was the principle of the sacrificial system of the temple – where the people would present a highly valued animal (first born, unblemished) to be slaughtered as a sin offering to God according to the Law. Yet, incredibly, in His mercy for our helpless sinful human condition, God decided to sacrifice His best … His all … His only begotten Son as a sin offering for us … to fulfill the righteous requirement of the Law. (Cf. Romans 8:3-4)

Jesus is God’s example of love. His love is merciful … it is gentle … it is kind and considerate … it is compassionate … it is forgiving. Paul explained the excellence of His love in this manner: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (Cf. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8) And Jesus explained: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love.” (Cf. John 15:9-10) And so we see that our love for Jesus is rooted in our obedience to Him … just as He was obedient to the Father.

Philippians 2:1-8 (NIV)

¹ Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ⁵In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: ⁶Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; ⁷rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

So, what is the application? If you want to love others as God in Christ Jesus has loved you, then your life too must be sacrificial. And, further, your sacrifice must be your very best! Love must be sincere … not half-hearted. Love is the most excellent way! Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did. (Cf. 1 John 2:6) Yes, I believe this is what God is calling us to do in our generation … at this appointed time in history … as His remnant church! We are called to be “living sacrifices” to those who are helpless; to those who are defenseless; to those who are orphans and widows; to those who are abused and mistreated; to those who are prodigal; those who are lost and without God. Yes, “This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.” (Cf. 1 John 4:17)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ~ 1 John 4:8

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. ~ 1 John 4:20