THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE

ROMANS 13:8-10 NKJ 
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 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.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 

These verses underscore the importance of walking in love.  The love Paul is referring to is the word agapao.  This is often labeled the "God kind of love."  This love is a direction of the will and indicates a choice as compared with other kinds of love that involve the feelings. 

This love seeks the best for others and is unselfish.  This love will not lie, steal, covet, kill or commit adultery because this love does no harm.   

The Amplified Bible says that the person who walks in this kind of unselfish love fulfills the essence of the law concerning his fellowman.  Jesus said this was His new commandment that we would love one another.  And John would later say this choice to love would assure our hearts before God or give us confidence with Him.  The scriptures are clear on this subject; choosing to act in love toward others is a must-do for believers, not an option.  

APPLICATION 

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Paul specifies what this kind of love looks like.  I encourage you to look up, write down and memorize these verses.  Joy had them posted all over our house when we were first married.  I asked her if they were a hint for me.  She laughed and sweetly stated that living with me made it necessary for her to have a constant reminder of what the God kind of love acts like.  Ouch.   

PRAYER 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love given to us through Jesus.  And thank You, I have the capacity to live in this powerful love toward others.