Galatians 5:14

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


Whether we think of the Ten Commandments, or we think of the 613 commandments of the Torah, we may wonder how they can all be minimized to one. Yet, this is exactly what Paul is saying and preaching to the Galatian church. Love your neighbour as yourself. Simple. But, then the question arises, “How do I do that? And what really is love?” Paul explains that we cannot truly love if we are walking in the flesh. The Spirit of God must live within us if love is to happen. So, the first and foremost aspect we need is God’s Holy Spirit. Later in his letter Paul describes what love in the Spirit looks like: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those characteristics are the fruit of the Spirit of God within us. Paul, in 1 Corinthians explains love in other terms: it is patient, kind, does not boast, and is not proud. Love does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, and not easily angered, it does not store up the wrongs committed, and rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and always perseveres (1 Cor. 13). When we look at all these aspects of love as Paul describes, it is no wonder he says there is no law for love. Love is not confined by law to saying this is good and this is not. When we act in love, all our thoughts, actions, and words are done in love. When we look at our neighbour as equal to our own self, and when we love ourselves by these measures, we can love our neighbour in return, just the way that God loves us. After all, he sent his Son to die for us because he loved us. We cannot deny that is the truest form of love. For, we were still sinners when Jesus willingly went to the cross! Amazing love! Amazing grace!

Pastor Julia

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