What's New?

The Old Law commanded…
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF: I am the Lord.” ( Leviticus 19:18 ESV)

Jesus addressed that principle in His teaching.
“Honor your father and mother, and, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” ( Matthew 19:19 ESV)

But Jesus also gave a new command regarding love.
“A NEW COMMANDMENT I give to you, that you love one another: JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, YOU ALSO ARE TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” ( John 13:34 ESV)

Love is not new. The command to love one another is quite old. What was new between the two commands was the STANDARD by which the love was to be measured. Love for self (to treat and care for others in a way self desires to be treated and cared for) should aid us in our interaction with others. However, to love one another in the manner in which Christ has loved us is an elevation of the STANDARD for love.

How often have people hated themselves for something they have done? How many people have had more difficulty forgiving themselves than others for particular actions? How many people have also reached a point of feeling they were unlovable? And yet, in spite of the world’s sinfulness and outright rebellion, Jesus loved enough to give His life to provide the opportunity for forgiveness and eternal salvation. Writing to the church at Rome Paul stated that this fact was a demonstration of Divine Love. ( Romans 5:6 & 8)

Our love, even for self, is an imperfect STANDARD. It is Jesus’ love which needs to become the STANDARD for the way in which we love one another because He loves us better than we can even love ourselves! And that is the essence of the “new commandment” to which we need to hold our lives. May we come to more fully recognize the degree of abiding love our Lord has for us that we may truly learn to love others in like manner.

Have a great day LIVING ACCORDING TO LOVE’S TRUE MEASURE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Love