The word “commandment” means a Divine rule to be strictly observed. FATHER gave the children of Israel Ten Commandments to live by and they had trouble keeping those Commandments for any period of time. In addition, they were given other commandments and statutes to guide them in their daily affairs in order to promote life as they grew into a nation. Those in the religious order started adding to the commandments with their own interpretations, customs, and traditions until the Divine Intent was compromised and you needed an expert to follow the various rules and regulations. The simple was compromised by the complex.
Jesus was approached by a lawyer in Matthew chapter 22:
34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.
35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying,
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
If there is any passage we should place continued emphasis on, it is the following reply of Jesus:
37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
If we don’t fully embrace these Words of Jesus, how can we expect to embrace any other revelation in Scripture? Jesus is providing us the key to all Scripture which will unlock greater revelation than most can fathom. FATHER first Loved us and as we Love HIM we become trustworthy to receive greater revelation. Why? As we Love HIM we become like HIM and take on HIS Divine Intent and then we begin to Love our neighbor with the same Love. No longer are we envious of anything our neighbor has for Love overshadows worldly possessions and we genuinely want the best for our neighbor. We become content with whatever FATHER has in store for us and do not look elsewhere for satisfaction.
Often we consider these two Great Commandments fulfilling the Law but they also fulfill “the Prophets” as well. Prophets are those who by Divine Inspiration are moved by the Holy Spirit to speak, having power to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate, their hearers. Every pure Word coming from a Prophet should have the Divine Intent of Love behind it. A true prophet communicates with FATHER and should express only what he or she hears FATHER say. False prophets can be observed when their word and/or timing fails to materialize or does not line up with FATHER’S Word.
We must be cautious when we claim to speak on FATHER’S behalf for HE will not be misrepresented without some sort of repercussion falling upon the one who speaks. As we continue our walk in Love we become trustworthy to deliver HIS Word to those who need to hear. Walking in the Commandment of Love keeps us from missing the mark in whatever area of ministry HE directs us in and as we walk in this manner we bless our neighbor.
In Matthew chapter 24 Jesus warns us about the risk of our Love growing cold in the end times:
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.
10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
Do not become discouraged or weary in walking the Love walk. FATHER would not give us the commandment if we were unable to keep it. Now is the time to increase in maturity so when the lawlessness reaches its peak, we are able to stand and not be moved by the spread of lawlessness. FATHER has a way of correcting large numbers of people in short order. The phrase “and suddenly” comes to mind. Stay the course and keep the Commandments of Love no matter what the world does.