Galatians 5:14

This verse is Paul’s application of Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 

I think the point is this, we demonstrate our love for God BY loving our neighbor as ourself! Elsewhere John said that if we say we love God but hate our brother we are a liar! (See I John 4:20-21). So how does love of our neighbor summarize the entire law? Think of some of the Ten Commandments. You cannot commit adultery and love at the same time. You cannot murder, steal, or covet and love at the same time. So, when we choose love over these law violations we are fulfilling the law! (See Romans 13:8-10!) And this is how Christ’s salvation sets us free! Rather than trying to keep the 613 laws of the Old Covenant, and maybe even doing it without a motive of love, we are free to put our focus on loving others well. And when we do that we will never violate God’s commands and we will be showing God how much we love Him! Who can you go love with the love of Jesus in some sacrificial way right now? Go do it!

PASSAGE: Galatians 5:14 - "The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

PAUSE: The Apostle Paul, just like Jesus, summarized the LAW in one word: LOVE. Sometimes, we complicate the clarity of what it means to be a Christian in today’s world! The ramifications of the gospel are clear: love one another!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you for simplifying the LAW. Help me to love others in the same way you loved me! I embrace the opportunity to love.