John the apostle has been sharing with us about how to know there is fellowship with God or not. A person must follow the commandments. Now John helps us to know exactly what he means when he says our talk must match our walk. He shares in verse seven of chapter two of First John:
Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
When it comes to the commandment to love, there is no need for a new commandment. Love is the all encompassing commandment, and by it all the other commandments are fulfilled. If we love another person, we will not steal from them. If we love another person, we will not kill them. If we love another person, all the “thou shalt nots” are easily fulfilled, so there is not a need for another commandment other than to love. From the very beginning John has been talking about loving God and loving one another. If a person can truly do this, there is no need for another commandment at all.
Jesus said it this way as recorded in the book of Mark chapter twelve verses twenty-nine thru thirty one:
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
If we can just follow these two great commandments, there is no need to enumerate the others. If we love God with all our hearts, souls, mind and strength, no other passion, desire or idol will come before Him. And if we love others as we do ourselves, not one of the commandments about living with others will be unfulfilled. If we will concentrate on these two laws, there is no need for any more.
John lets his readers know that this is the “same old story” so to speak. You have heard it from the beginning, and it continues to apply today. Love God and love others, and you will be walking in the truth of God's word. Love God, and love others, and the world will take note that there is something different about you.
Read ahead to chapter two verse eight, and we will meet again another time.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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