Love Fulfills the Law

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. – (Romans 13:9-10, NIV)

The law says, “You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not want what belongs to someone else.” All these commands and all the other commands are really only one rule: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law. – (Romans 13:9-10, ERV)

The commands given to you in the Scriptures – do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not take what is not yours, do not covet – and any other command you have heard are summarized in God’s instruction: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Does love hurt anyone? Absolutely not. In fact, love achieves everything the law requires. – (Romans 13:9-10, VOICE)

If we truly love as God intended, we are fulfilling the law. How we treat others is a direct reflection of either love, or a lack thereof. The “shall nots” lead us directly to what love should be. Love is patient and kind, it rejoices with truth, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. It does not fail. (1 Corinthians 13) Our charge is to love. When we love the Lord, we seek to do His will. His will is to love one another as He loves us. Through Him, we are equipped and empowered to love as He intended. Jesus grants us patience and kindness, hope and perseverance, trust and an ongoing desire to walk in truth. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, so that we might love in a way that fulfills the law in every way.

The commands we’re given,

All point back to one;

Love one another,

And His will is done.

For love does no harm,

Instead, it protects;

It won’t separate,

But rather, connects.

Love brings together,

With kindness and grace;

It forgives, fulfills,

And walks in God’s ways.

His ways are loving,

Always He is good;

As we choose love too,

His heart’s understood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love. Thank You that Your commands are fulfilled when we love our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved as You intended. Teach us to be patient and kind, so that we model truth, hope, trust, protection and perseverance. Show us how to best love those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love all around us as You intended. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

Love Fulfills the Law

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. – (Romans 13:9-10, NIV)

The law says, “You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not want what belongs to someone else.” All these commands and all other commands are really only one rule: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law. – (Romans 13:9-10, ERV)

For the commandments, “Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet,” and every other commandment can be summed up in these words: “Love and value others the same way you love and value yourself.” Love makes it impossible to harm another, so love fulfills all that the law requires. – (Romans 13:9-10, TPT)

 

This really sums up so much. Our charge, our call, our purpose, above all else, is to LOVE. If we truly love as God intended, we are obeying and honoring God, and showing the world what love really means. The “Golden Rule” is similarly based on this sort of love. To do unto others as we want done unto us, is the same as loving our neighbors as ourselves. Isn’t that what everyone ultimately desires? To love and be loved in return? It is no surprise that the longing within us aligns with the intent and purpose for which we were created. It is the most difficult to love when the recipient of our choice to love does not do the same in return. However, we are called to love anyway. Often, the repeated extension of kindness breaks down the barriers that are blocking another from receiving or giving love. Once they begin to see, know and understand that it is genuine, they become more willing to receive and return what is given. May we ever choose to love others as we desire to be loved; for this is what we are called and commanded to do.

 

Choose love each other,

As we’d like love back;

For this is our charge,

To do as God asks.

All those whom we meet,

Are neighbors indeed;

Ready for kindness,

Love’s a human need.

Each time that we choose,

To give love away;

We’re following God,

For love is His way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call and command us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Thank You that You do not just command it, but You have shown us again and again what it is to love. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved as You would want us to love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would extend kindness, mercy and grace, even in the face of adversity and ugliness. Show us how to love all of those You have placed around us in ways that make Your heart tangible to them, individually. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love others as You call us to love. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34

Simply Love

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. – (1 Timothy 1:5, NIV)

The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love – love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. – (1 Timothy 1:5, MSG)

For we reach the goal of fulfilling all the commandments when we love others deeply with a pure heart, a clean conscience, and a sincere faith. – (1 Timothy 1:5, TPT)

 

Love really is the whole point. When we operate from a heart that is pure and our intent on choosing to love, we are living our faith out loud. Our motivation for all that we do, must be rooted in love. When it is, we are operating in a sincere faith, with a clear conscience, from a heart made pure by He who is love. If we truly love from a pure heart, we cannot envy, hate, boast, be unkind, or the like. Love conquers all. I imagine that is why it is said that “the greatest of these, is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) As we step into a new day, at the start of a new week, may we be open to God with a sincere faith so that we may navigate our days with a clean conscience and a pure heart, and choose to simply love.

 

Love is the answer,

To all of life’s woes;

For the love of God,

Multiplies and grows.

It purifies hearts,

Makes consciences clean;

Through a sincere faith,

We learn what love means.

The more that we learn,

The more we choose give;

Love from a pure heart,

Each day that we live.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call and command us to love from a pure heart, a clear conscience and a sincere faith. Thank You that as we seek You and pursue a life lived according to Your calling, You empower us to love. Forgive us for allowing our selfishness, bitterness, anger or fear to get in the way of choosing love. Show us how to love those around us simply and purely, in a way that demonstrates love tangible to each heart. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue You wholeheartedly so that we may love unreservedly. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Found By the Seeking

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. – (Luke 11:10, NIV)

Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them. – (Luke 11:10, ERV)

All who keep asking will receive, all who keep seeking will find, and doors will open to those who keep knocking. – (Luke 11:10, VOICE)

 

Just as a parent will hear the requests of their children, so too, does God hear our prayers. It is promised that when we seek Him, we will find God. He opens doors that we are meant to walk through, and grants us what we need to keep moving forward. Our charge is to keep looking, knocking and asking, for the Lord hears and sees our pursuit of Him and His will. May we ever trust in the Lord and His faithfulness, so that we ask, seek and knock before Him, believing in His loving kindness that hears, opens and empowers.

 

Seek and ask the Lord,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

He’s faithful to give;

All that is needed,

To faithfully live.

Knock on heaven’s door,

It will open wide;

God ever welcomes,

His seekers inside.

Trust in His goodness,

Know that the Lord hears;

Blesses the faithful,

All who choose draw near.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear us, see us, and bless us with Your faithful presence and help when we seek You. Forgive us for attempting to make our own way, rather than seeking You. Teach us to trust You more, as You are faithful to answer as we ask. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrates Your ongoing presence and faithfulness, so that they may know of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for answers, ask for Your help and trust the path You provide for us to follow. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. – Deuteronomy 7:9

Love Fulfills the Law

Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. – (Romans 13:10, NLT)

Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law. – (Romans 13:10, ERV)

Does love hurt anyone? Absolutely not. In fact, love achieves everything the law requires. – (Romans 13:10, VOICE)

 

All of the commandments can be summed up and obeyed if we choose to do one thing with fidelity. If we love as we are loved by God, we will not do wrong to others and ultimately fulfill the requirements of God’s law. This is far more easily said than done, as love is a choice that we must make, again and again and again. It is easy to give love when love is given to us, but an entirely different challenge when we must choose love in spite of what comes our way. Though there are times that it is seemingly impossible to choose to love, when we seek the Lord and His strength, we find grace and compassion that can only come from Him and are able to love as He loves in the most trying of circumstances. May we ever pursue our Provider in every situation and circumstance, so that we may love without doing wrong to others, just as we are loved by Him.

 

Love does not choose hurt, 

Nor try to do harm;

Instead love gives grace,

Is faithful and warm.

As we choose to love,

By grace we achieve;

What God’s laws require,

Good given, received.

So in everything,

Let love be our choice;

For love multiplies,

Reason to rejoice.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we choose love above all else in what we do and say, we are fulfilling that which You require us to do. Forgive us for the times that we have chosen anything other than love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek Your wisdom and strength as to how we are called to love others best in every circumstance. Show us how to love as You love us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your strength to love like You. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

The joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10

Faithful to Love

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” – (John 15:9-10, NLT)

“I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue my love. I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and He continues to love me. In the same way, if you obey my commands, I will continue to love you.” – (John 15:9-10, ERV)

 

As Jesus spoke to the people of Corinth, He was urging them to remain faithful, just as He had stayed faithful to His Heavenly Father. Obedience leads us to a space where we are right with God. He loves us because we are His, but the favor of the Lord is granted when we are walking in His will, rather than walking away from that which we are called. If God calls us to love Him and love people, it only makes sense that it is through our obedience that we would experience more of His love in our own lives. As we give love, we better understand and recognize what it is to receive love in return. May we love as we are loved in obedience to what the Lord is asking, and come to know and understand the riches of remaining in His love for us.

 

To love and be loved,

 

Is God’s hope for us;

That is evident,

Through His Son, Jesus.

No matter what came,

To Him on His way;

He still chose to love,

In God’s will, remain.

So let us choose love,

As done unto us;

In obedience,

Love in faithfulness.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us with an everlasting love. Thank You that You have shown us what it is to remain in Your love. Forgive us for not obeying Your command to love as we are loved. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would love one another according to Your good and perfect will. Show us how to love like You, so that all those around us might see Your faithfulness through our love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love as You have loved us in obedience to Your commands. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Listen… be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19

Invested in Instruction

I will fix my mind on Your instructions and my eyes on Your path. – (Proverbs 6:15, VOICE)

I will study Your commandments and reflect on Your ways. – (Proverbs 6:15, NLT)

 

One of the best ways to better know God, is to spend time in His word. As I fix my mind on His instructions and the path He places before me, more and more of who He is become clear. His capacity to love and His concern for us individually, becomes all the more evident when we draw near to Him. Because God is so great, we never “arrive”. The capacity for learning through spending time studying His word is endless. Each time we invest our hearts and minds into seeking to better understand His will for us, the Lord will reveal something new. May we never stop fixing our minds on His instructions nor quit reflecting on His ways.

 

Each day as I rise,

I’ll fix eyes on You;

For time in Your word,

Makes mind and heart new.

The Lord’s instructions,

Shall make our path clear;

If we choose silence,

So that we may hear.

Reflect on His heart,

His mercy and grace;

His clear commandments,

To walk in His way.

It’s not about rules,

But rather, His love;

If we love like Christ,

The Lord’s lifted up.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word that we can study. Thank You that You provide instructions for us, that point us on Your path for our lives. Thank You that when we invest time in Your word and seek You for answers, You are faithful to answer and show us the way. Forgive us for not seeking nor reflecting on the truth of Your word. Help us to invest ourselves more to fixing our minds on Your instructions and our eyes on Your path. Show us how to love as You love us, so that many may be pointed to the path of eternal life in You. Be glorified O God, as we study Your commands and reflect on Your ways, so that we may do what You are calling us to do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. – Job 8:21

To Offer Obedience and Reverence

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. – (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV)

That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone’s duty. – (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NLT)

Now, what should we learn from everything that is written in this book? The most important thing a person can do is respect God and obey His commands, because He knows about everything people do – even the secret things. – (Ecclesiastes 12:13, ERV)

 

Regardless of which version of the text we take in, the bottom line remains. We are called to give God the honor and respect that is due, and obey that which He asks of us. On our own, we would fail miserably, as we are all flawed and broken vessels. However, when we choose to seek first His kingdom, His righteousness is added unto us, and we are led and empowered by His Spirit to do that which we are called to do. His strength is made perfect where we are weak, and His grace abounds where we have none. All that is needed He shall supply, if we are dependent on Him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let us have a proper perspective of who God is, as the King who reigns, and allow His Spirit to lead and guide us so that we will walk in obedience to all that He is asking.

 

Our great God, Most High,

sits upon His throne;

He loves and equips,

so truth may be known.

We’re called to uphold,

reverence and awe;

obey His commands,

not self-imposed law.

For the Lord, He reigns,

with mercy and grace;

He opened the way,

eternal embrace.

Let our lives be lived,

as an offering;

all praise unto Him,

may each heart choose sing.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though You are God and the Creator and King of all, You chose to love each of us, individually. Thank You that You have given us Your instructions for how we ought to live, and help us, by Your Spirit, to live accordingly. Forgive us for not viewing You with proper reverence and awe, or for taking lightly, the expectations that You have set before us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and Your will in all things, resulting in our willing obedience to what You are asking. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they would see Your heart through ours. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we view You with respect and reverence, and seek to walk in obedience to all that You are asking. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Shout aloud and sing for joy. – Isaiah 12:6

A Heart that is Willing

When one of the teachers of the law came and asked Jesus which of the commandments was most important, His response is what clearly guided His every day on earth, and likewise should do the same for us. “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no command greater than these.” – (Mark 12:29-31)

 

Jesus not only modeled His commitment to love God and love people with His days, for He did also, unto His death. When praying in the garden, prior to His path to the cross, Jesus prayed the following: “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” – (Mark 14:36)

 

Jesus was willing to walk the hard and painful road unto the cross, to bear the brunt of all of our sin and shame. In Christ’s most difficult hours, He demonstrated His love and devotion to God and to all of us, despite His knowing the suffering He’d have to endure. His entire heart, soul, mind and strength were pelted with the pain of people who were steeped in the ugliness of sin. Jesus willingly took it all upon Himself so that we could have new life in Him. May we receive all that He has granted, and go forth loving God and loving people, with all that we are.

 

His heart was willing,

to walk the hard road;

to endure all things,

that had been foretold.

For Jesus, He knew,

the price He would pay;

yet because He loved,

He chose anyway.

Christ showed us what love,

really ought to be;

our heart, soul and mind,

committed, set free.

For when we love God,

and our neighbors too;

Christ’s love is made known,

as His hope shines through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Jesus, thank You that You came to show us how to live life loving God and loving people. Thank You that You modeled the ultimate life of obedience unto the Lord. Thank You that we need only look to Your word to understand how we are meant to follow after Your own heart. Forgive us for not loving God or loving people as You intended for us to love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we might love with abandon – unhindered by fear. Lead us to pour into the lives of those around us, as You so generously pour into ours. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we too are willing to love You and love people, with all that You have created us to be. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Shout aloud and sing for joy. – Isaiah 12:6

Faithful Obedience

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. – (Revelation 14:12)

 

Though times can be trying, we who trust in the Lord are called to patiently endure, remaining faithful to Jesus and obedient to all that God commands. Great is our ultimate reward, for staying true to our trust in Him. Obedience and endurance are not easy tasks, yet when we faithfully submit ourselves to Jesus, He equips and empowers us to do that which He is asking, and supplies patience and strength beyond what we would have on our own.

 

Patient endurance,

He asks of the saints;

all those who obey,

stand strong, don’t grow faint.

Those true to the Lord,

in Jesus remain;

faithful in all things,

in our hearts, He reigns.

Trust Him at all times,

forever stay true;

He’s faithful always,

He’s making us new.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we come to You and commit our lives to You, You receive us, and welcome us into the security and safety of Your arms. Thank You that Your Spirit is in us to guide us, teaching us to patiently endure, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Thank You that You give us commandments – clear directions as to what You expect in order for us to remain faithful unto You. Forgive us for violating the bond between us in word, thought or deed. Teach us to trust You more, and keep us far from the sin that seeks to entangle us. Help us to patiently endure in You. Lead us to love others as You so generously love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You as a result. Be glorified O God, as we walk with patient endurance in faithful obedience unto You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you.” – Exodus 33:19