In the last week of Jesus' earthly life, an exchange took place with a man who asked a thought provoking question. A lawyer wanting to test Jesus asked Him this question: "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" In other words, this lawyer wanted to know what commandment lay at the foundation of a proper life producing obedience to God in all things.
Jesus' answer was clear and to the point: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets" (Matt. 22:37-40).
Paul emphasized the same point when he wrote to the church at Rome. He expressed the essential and foundational nature of love as well saying,
For the commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet, and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Rom. 13:9-10).
Neither Jesus nor Paul suggested that other commandments were unimportant. Jesus made this clear when He told the apostles to teach others "to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:20). In speaking of the priority of love, Jesus and Paul were showing the proper way to keep all commandments -- from a heart of love. Without love motivating the required action towards God or man, the action will lack the fervor and consistency expected by God. With love present to spur on the obedience and service, the desired action will be ever growing in intensity and frequency.
But what is meant by the word "love" as Jesus and Paul used it? That word conjures up different thoughts in the minds of various people. Some think of "love" as an electrifying, emotional chemistry that causes an irresistible attraction between two people. Others think of it as a free spirit that accepts no constraints and is governed by no rules. However, neither of those ideas properly depicts the concept of biblical "love" as commanded above. So, what is meant by "love" as the Bible uses that word?
The "love" of which Jesus and Paul speak is not an impulse based upon emotion. It describes an attitude of seeking another's welfare even at the expense of self. This "love" is not exercised solely upon those for whom some affinity exists, but has a mind to serve and benefit based upon the principle that service to another is itself right. This "love" originates from reason, not pure emotion. It acts to truly benefit in ways of right, not to satisfy temporal or carnal desires.
"Love suffers long and is kind." It does not act out of emotion producing anger and revenge when an evil or injury has been suffered. It continues to suffer such indignities while remaining kind and free from bitterness. That suffering may not be brief, but may call upon one to endure the trials inflicted for extended periods while remaining kind in response.
"Love does not envy." When it sees some good in others, it does not resent that good or become jealous of the person possessing the good. Love is happy for the blessings that come upon others and does not begrudge them for self.
"Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up." It does not brag about the accomplishments and value of self. Such a self-serving and self-promoting spirit would be the very antithesis of this love which seeks to build up and benefit others. It does not seek to be the center of attraction and elevate self to a place of importance. In short, biblical love cannot exist in a heart inhabited by pride.
"(Love) does not behave rudely." It is mannerly. This love does not act in a way contrary to the commonly accepted standards of decent behavior. Instead, it respects, considers and honors others. When it comes in contact with those in places of honor and authority, it renders the appropriate respect.
"(Love) does not seek its own." Others are the focus of its desire. It does not concentrate upon the wishes and welfare of self. Instead of being self-serving, biblical love is giving. One who frequently finds himself disheartened about not getting what he wants is probably manifesting a lack of this kind of love.
"(Love) is not provoked, thinks no evil." It does not go around with a chip on its shoulder looking for an excuse to be angry or vengeful. To the contrary, it has a demeanor not easily riled. This quality is tested when another tries to incite and enrage one into rash action. But love does not allow the one so tested to plan any evil in response. The reason is seen in the next trait of love.
"(Love) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth." It does not desire the company of evil, nor does it look with happiness upon the fall of others in some evil. Why? Because evil is purged from its thoughts. Instead, it seeks to promote the way of truth in the lives of both self and others. Thus, anyone who loves another will act as commanded within God's truth.
Paul sums up the nature of this love by saying that love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
When we understand the nature of the love God commands, we see why it is a necessity in order for us to please God. In the coming weeks, we will discuss the primacy of love as a foundation of our relationship with God, family and our fellow-man. As we examine love applied to these various relationships, let us honestly look at ourselves and see if we are truly motivated by biblical love.