Love!

Love!

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 NIV

The Inspiration:

As you read the first few chapters of Paul's letter to the Romans, you get a very good view of the power of the law, as well as its limits. The law was the start point of the life of rules and regulations laid out by God for his people, as well as all who would seek the blessings promised by God for all who obeyed the law. God wanted to have a fair and balanced basis for judging men, and this was why the law was introduced. Unfortunately, the law only reminded me of all that God demanded of me and what it would punish, but in and by itself, it could not encourage compliance. I would not have known what sin is if the law did not lay it out as sin, but then, I would not have known what God loves or hates, if He had not made them all clear by His law. We can therefore say that the law is good; but it would also remind me of the fact that by its scope and operation, it was impossible for a man to please God by obeying the law, because breaking one meant breaking all. This is why Jesus had to come. His life has become the perfect example for the world to emulate, if it wants to see God's grace in all its fullness in action.

The Contention:

God is described as love in so many places in the Bible, which means that the true definition of the word 'love' can only be seen from the perspective of the One who personifies it. It is like trying to create Coca Cola's Coke without the ingredients that make up Coke. You may get a close alternative, or a similar taste, but as long as the contents don't match, it is not the same. The world has its own definitions and images of 'love'; even some acts that God clearly labels as sin are passed by the world as 'acts' of love. You cannot blame the world for its perspective, because it only knows what it can see, touch, taste or feel. It has no personal connection with the God who presents himself as love. For those of us who have experienced the love of God, made real and personal by the death and resurrection of Jesus, we know the power and impact of God's love for us. We stand where we are today because of that love. We can love, because we now know what the original looks like. We can love, because we ourselves are living witnesses to the power and influence of love. This is where my neighbour comes in; how else can I prove I know who and what live is if I cannot show it to other people?

The Conclusion:

What kind of fruit will my life bear if it cannot reflect the impact and presence of the One called Love? I think of the fruit of the Spirit, of which love is, and I realise that the verses make it clear that there can be no law against love. In fact, it is the opposite of love that has led to all the wars and conflicts the world has experienced. God does not save me and then take me home immediately, because He wants to use my life as a platform to reach the world for Him. What louder message can a life preach, other than one with a personal touch of God's favour and grace? If I love my neighbour with the love of God, I will constantly watch out for his/her interests. I will not seek to harm or hurt the person. After all, God intended to regulate my relationship with my fellow man, so that when there is peace amongst men, it will also lead to ease of access into God's presence. When there is no malice or hatred, why will God not be pleased to dwell among men? Love is of God, and anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Nothing else can be taken away or added to this truth. Do I know this love? Is He real to me? God's time of favour is here.