You Have To Know You're Loved

Though everything in the Bible is essential, some things necessitate special attention. Of all the commands that Jesus spoke about, there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Matthew 22:37-40 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.”

Do you see that? All the law and the prophets can be fulfilled in the word love. If Jesus had not included the word all, it would have been reasonable for us to fulfill that first and greatest commandment. But, since he used the word, all, we are up a creek without a paddle. This is the first and greatest of the commandments– not the third, the fourth, or the 10th! Obeying this commandment is not optional, yet, in our own strength, this commandment is impossible! All your heart – all your soul – all your mind – all your strength… All, all, all, all…Not a chance!

Additionally, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15  When Jesus spoke this command, he knew that loving God enough to obey him fully would be impossible in our own strength! Indeed, our efforts to be Christlike fall miserably short unless God directly empowers us. The only way to fulfill what God has asked of us is to receive his provision of empowerment that comes through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

So what is the provision of empowerment? The truth of the gospel is the answer. Those who receive that their sin is fully paid for and that they are now perfect in God’s sight experience the new life of being loved, forgiven, and free! The transformation that happens from renewing our minds with this truth transforms us into a person that looks like Christ. Why? Because the person you see yourself as on the inside is the person you will become on the outside. When you receive God’s love, you become filled with love and it is the love of God operating through you that fulfills all the righteous requirements of the law. 

Romans 13:8-10 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 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.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

A true revelation of God’s love for us changes everything! This is why Apostle John wrote, “We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 The power to love comes from being loved! It is the people who are hurt, who hurt people, and it is people who are loved, who love people. When you know that you’re loved, love naturally flows through you. This is why Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

In our first Scripture above, we read that all (not just some of) the law and the prophets hang on receiving and giving God’s love. And, as we read in Romans, love is the fulfillment of the law! Yes, it is God’s love that changes everything! As the old song said, “Love makes the world go around.”

When you know that in spite of your sin, you are loved by God, your entire outlook on life changes and the life of heaven begins to flow through you. Heaven’s life creates heavenly relationships, and heavenly relationships complete the purpose of God’s love and all his righteousness! Oh, yes, my dear friend – God is all about love!

So, here’s what I’m trying to say; if you want to live the extraordinary life God has created for you,…

You Have To Know You’re Loved