What Is Love
Matthew 22:36-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they called a meeting to discuss how to trap Jesus, Then one of them, a religious scholar, posed this question to test Him: "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?"
Jesus answered him, "Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you. This is the great and supreme commandment. And the second is like it in importance: 'You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself." Contained within these commandments to love you will find all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets." TPT.
You must love your friend = In Aramaic the word 'Kareb', which means 'one who is close to you', (remotely or by proximity). The Greek is 'neighbor'.
In Deuteronomy 6:5. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Israel's obedience was to arise from a relationship based upon love. The heart was considered the seat of the mind and will. Mind meaning 'understanding'.
In Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
How does one love? Love your neighbor. Love yourself.
Many times we do not know how to love, how to love your neighbor nor how to love yourself.
Can you look at your neighbor as Jesus 'love' looks at them?
Can you look at yourself as Jesus 'love' looks at you?
When you can love yourself you can then learn how to love others.
It could be time that 'you' look in the mirror and tell yourself 'how much I love you'. I love you with all my heart, with all my soul, with all that is within me. Because Jesus loved me first.
God knew you before He formed you in your mother's womb. He spoke life into you. Can you accept this? Can you receive this? He loved you 'first'.
Do you feel dead inside? Speak to these dead bones come 'alive'.
We will always have religious leaders speak to us, to trap us. They did this to Jesus, they will do this to us. They have not learned how to 'love'. They love their man made laws, but do not know how to love relationship. Relationship with God, relationship with others.
God is love. Jesus is love. Holy Spirit is love. Since we are made in their image, we must learn to love as they did and do.
When we walk in love, we come against the enemy.
"One of the most potent weapons in our efforts to possess our land, drive out our enemies and occupy our land of promises until Jesus comes is the love of God. Without the love of God, true fellowship is not possible. Without true fellowship, we will never see the power of God manifest to the degree we need it. Walking in the love of God must become a priority for all of us." (quote from Pastor Bill Kiefer)
We can choose to walk in love, or walk in offense, a grudge, etc. The enemy would love you to walk in offense, hatred or hold onto grudges.
We can bring forth blessings or curses.
We can move forward to take back our land from the enemy, by walking in love.
We can represent Jesus well, by standing in love. By loving ourselves, by loving our neighbor.
Learn to love well!
5-24-23
Deb Miller Robinson - Eagle Warrior