Galatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians was also written by Paul. Care to wager a guess at the Greek form of love used in today’s verse? If you guessed agape, you win. Once more, Paul uses the Greek form agape to describe the love we should have for our neighbor. The actual usage of the word is agapēseis, derived from agapaō (to love in a moral sense), which defines the highest, sacrificial form of love.
How can the entire law be fulfilled with one command? This commandment summarizes the entire moral law and the law of the prophets, focusing on active, selfless concern for others. When we love with this level or type of love, we shift the focus from legalistic obedience to heartfelt action. This fulfillment is not achieved through strict rule-following, but is instead fulfilled by the Spirit, producing the fruit of love in believers.
Paul goes on to tell us we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. This implies treating others with the same care and respect as one does oneself. Most people have at least some sense of self-respect and self-preservation. They care about themselves on some level. And it is the same sense of love that one should show for others. If you wouldn’t do it yourself or have it done to you, then you shouldn’t do it to others.
How can you love others as yourself? Make a list of some ways you can demonstrate true, selfless love for others and then select one or two ways and put them into action. Look for opportunities today to show God’s love to others.
Prayer: Lord, Open the door for me to love others the way You have loved me. Let me love others as I love myself. Fill me with Your love and let it overflow onto others. Amen
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