“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.” —Philippians 2:3 (AMP)
Having established the importance of loving others as you love yourself, you might ask, “Is it really possible to do that?” Yes, it is possible when you choose to submit your will to God’s command. As a believer, you must understand that loving your neighbour as yourself is not a mere suggestion; it is a direct command from Jesus. Most people find it difficult to walk in love simply because they view it as optional rather than mandatory. Walking in love is a clear New Testament commandment, and Scripture makes this truth undeniably clear.
In Mark 12:30-31, Jesus gave two key commandments that every believer must take seriously:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment more important than these two.” —Mark 12:30-31 (GNT)
These two commandments are the greatest because everything in life hangs on them. Doing the opposite goes directly against God’s Word. When you truly love God, you won’t want to do anything that hurts Him; when you genuinely love your neighbour, you won’t want to do anything that harms them.
The crime and moral decay we see in society today stem directly from people breaking these two foundational laws. However, your story can be completely different if you choose to keep His commands. As you walk in obedience, you will watch your life move from glory to glory. You will consistently find favour with both God and man because you choose to love both.
I encourage you today to make a conscious decision to obey this commandment. When you treat walking in love as an obligation rather than an option, you’ll no longer struggle with it. The Apostle Paul reinforces this truth in Romans:
“Be under obligation to no one—the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law. The commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else’—all these, and any others besides, are summed up in the one command, ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.” —Romans 13:8-10 (GNT)
When you choose to walk in love, you naturally fulfill God’s divine Law and reflect His heart to the world.
Today’s Rhema
When you treat walking in love as a command, you won’t find it difficult!
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for explaining this truth to me so clearly. I choose today to walk in love to the best of my ability. Every temptation to do the opposite is rendered completely powerless in my life, in the name of Jesus. Amen!
