All the laws hang on these two

 All the laws hang on these two

In Matthews gospel we read, the Pharisees saying to Jesus,

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.

Do you love? Do you love the way Christians are called to love? 

In 1Corinthians we read,

"Love is patient, love is kind.

 It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects,

always trusts, 

always hopes, 

always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: 

faith, hope and love.

 But the greatest of these is love."  

                                  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13

So after reading 1 Corinthians 13 would you say this is the way you love?

Please think about it.

"The definition of Love

The definition of Love

The apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians gives what to me is the quintessential definition of Gods Love. He writes

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                           1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

I think this definition of love is self explanatory. It is the type of love we should be showing to God, family, friends, neighbours and even our enemies.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it. 

Jesus flips it

 Jesus flips it 

In the gospel of Mark we read,

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Mark 9:35.

Do you have a servants heart?

If you consider yourself a Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus do you truly have a servants heart? Do you do your best to help those around you to the extent you are able?

How about the ministries, pastors, evangelist and even politicians you support, do they truly serve others?

One of the many ways a person shows they are a true believer in Christ Jesus is by being a servant. 

There are many in our world today who believe the greatest person is the wealthiest, or most successful in business or in politics. In Christianity that is not so. Jesus himself flips that idea around, saying.

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and servant of all”

Is this you?

Please think about it.

What kind of love?

 What kind of Love?

Jesus when asked,

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

Christian love I believe is defined by the apostle Paul when he wrote,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast,

 it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                   1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

So my question to you dear reader is; Is the kind of love you practice the kind of love the apostle Paul defines here?

Is the kind of love you practice the kind of Love God wants you to practice, unconditional love?

Please think about it.

Is He Central

Is He Central?
In the book of Deuteronomy we read,
"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
Jesus said,
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 
Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'” Matthew 22:36-38.
My question to anyone reading this who claims to be a believer in Christ Jesus is, Is God central in your life? Does God take priority in your life?
When I was a young Christian back in the 1970's I attended a small church. Our pastor at the time encouraged people when they went on holiday to bring back a church bulletin from whatever church they attended while they were away.
It was remarkable to see how many bulletins came back. It, while not an accurate indication, it showed those who put a priority in going to church wherever they were.
There are many people here in North America where I live who attend church while at home but not while away from home.
There are many who go to church because it’s the way they were brought up, or because it is a social event. A place where they meet friends and family. The sermon, God and Christ just happen to be there.
Thus my question to you if you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus, is God and Christ central in your life?
Please think about it.