#BibleStudy Timeless Truths. The “Ten Commandments of Love”
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does.
1 Corinthians 13:1, 14:1 (MSG)
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[c]
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[c]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:9-21
26 out of 27 New Testament books contain the word “love.” Only Acts does not.
A friend walks in when others are walking out.
Introduction
The Apostle Paul lists ten ways Christians can express love for other believers in your daily life. Let’s call this list “The Ten Commandments of Love.”
THREE PRIMARY WAYS LOVE EXPRESSES ITSELF
A. Love looks out for others.
Commandment #1: Devoted to one another in brotherly love (v10).
- Devotion refers to a family relationship—tender and affectionate care for each other as brothers and sisters.
Commandment #2: Honor one another above self (v10).
- Practice playing second fiddle.
- Without second fiddle, there is no harmony.
- AKA: Be polite (See Philippians 2:3)
Commandment #3: Generous to others (v13).
- Look out for others by looking for others in your wallet.
- Hospitality. Look for those in need.
- Be especially generous to others in the fellowship.
B. Love seeks to understand.
Commandment #4: We understand by practicing empathy (v15).
- Be with those who are in need without judging.
- Look for opportunities to celebrate with those who are rejoicing.
Commandment #5: We understand by practicing unity (v16).
- Harmony: You’re not always singing melody, and you’re not always singing the same note.
- Get along with others.
Commandment #6: We understand by practicing acceptance (v16).
- How easily do outsiders fit into your group?
- Love accepts others—that’s anyone who’s not you.
C. Love takes the high road.
Commandment #7: Take the high road by responding to mistreatment with kindness(v14).
- Bless and don’t curse.
- When mistreated don’t respond with sarcasm.
Commandment #8: Take the high road by setting an example for others to follow(v17).
- Be an honorable person.
- Lead by example.
Commandment #9: Take the high road by practicing peace (v18).
- As far as it depends on you.
- You have to do your part for peace.
- Do the best you can do.
Commandment #10: Take the high road by forgiving others (v19-20).
- Leave revenge to God./Leave room for God’s wrath.
- Bless those that curse you.
- REVENGE is a useless emotion. All it is is looking back.
- Let go of the past.
- If you take matters into your own hands, God backs off.
Conclusion
Although these notes are from 2016, this conclusion sounds like it was written for our COVID-19 infected world of 2020.
“This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:35 (MSG)
- Strive to live a peace with those around you.
- Doing good may not be repaid.
- You need to do right no matter what others are doing.
- Take ownership of your own life.
The best way to get rid of an enemy is to
make that enemy your friend.
Thanks to Pastor Larry Pitcher for the primary teachings in this post.
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