20 Dec January 30th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

THE ROYAL LAW

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 “Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more . . .”

James wrote, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”  The royal law is found in eight different places in the Holy Scriptures.  It was first given by God to the Children of Israel as recorded in Leviticus 19:18.  Jesus said that there are two great commandments God has given, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Under the umbrella of God urging you to love others as you love yourself, “ . . . around fifty times in the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles tell us to feel, say, or do something to “one another.” We are to care for one another and bear with one another, honor one another and sing to one another, do good to one another, and forgive one another. And then there is the grand, overarching, most-repeated command that “binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14): “Love one another.” (Scott Hubbard, Managing Editor, desiringGod.org)

Every new day gives you the opportunity to love others even as God has loved you. (John 13:34) The love God has given you is not only for you but for all people, even your enemies. (Matthew 5:44) In fact, in this Bible verse Jesus says to not only love your enemy but pray for those who persecute you.

You are only able to love others because God first loved you.  (1 John 4:19) He provides you with a limitless supply of love that is unconditional and covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

Prayer:  Fill my heart, O Lord, with Your love and through the guidance of Your Holy Spirit help me to love those around me, even my enemies.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Love in Christ is strong and living,

Binding faithful hearts in one;

Love in Christ is true and giving,

May His will in us be done.

Love is patient and forbearing,

Clothed in Christ’s humility,

Gentle, selfless, kind, and caring,

Reaching out in charity.

Love in Christ abides forever,

Fainting not when ills attend;

Love, forgiving and forgiven,

Shall endure until life’s end.

(LSB 706)