The Light of Love | Pt. 1, An old commandment made new in the hands of the Master

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

1 John 2:7  (NKJV) Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

The message of loving God and loving others is both old and new. It is an old message because we find it first given way back in the time of Moses: "You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD." (Leviticus 19:18)

God's original intent was stated long before Jesus walked the earth. Loving our neighbors, or our fellow man, is the best way to shine a light that has the power to move darkness. There is light inside of love. The commandment is new because Jesus came to "fulfill the law" (Matt. 5:17) or give life and power to the words of old.

As an old song can find new expression through the performance of a master conductor, Jesus who is the Master of All brought love to a whole new level. "Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining."

Because of Christ, our love (i.e. our deeds) brings light to everyone we contact. Hate has the opposite effect.

Let the "royal law" of love (James 2:8) motivate your thinking, speaking and actions today!