The one thing we know from reading the Bible is that love is essential. God showed us love by sending Jesus to die for us that we might have eternal life. In His grace, God’s Word gives us practical ways to demonstrate love to the people around us. In the Old Testament, God gave the Ten Commandments, which included how to treat other people.
Let’s take a look. “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you. You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. You must not covet your neighbor’s house.” (Exodus 20:12-17; NLT)
While there is no mention of love in the Ten Commandments, Jesus provides clarification.
“One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this, and you will live!” The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 25:25-29; NLT)
In the Ten Commandments, we see how we can love our neighbor. Yet, Jesus took it a step further.
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. (Luke 6:27; NLT)
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:44;NLT)
In Luke 25:30-37, it is the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us of a practical way to love others and our enemies.
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul elaborates on the teachings of Jesus more. Paul tells us that love is and what it is not. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (I Corinthians 13:4-7; NLT).
Loving others is not easy. Yet, all through the Bible, we see how important it is in the life of a believer. After loving God, we are to love others.
“Lord, will you give me a love for other people. Help me to love those who treat me wrong. Help me to love them as you love me. Amen”
