One Word: Love

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh,
but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt
love thy neighbour as thyself."

Galatians 5:13-14

On a day of love, love is often misunderstood.

The kingdom of Cyrus the Great is said to have been the most expansive kingdom the world has ever
seen. By conquering much of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, the Persian king Cyrus
created an empire like none had ever seen. His rule lasted nearly thirty years, and during that time
he was credited with much military success, political advancement, and religious contributions
(through the Edict of Restoration given to the Jewish people). Cyrus was known as a strong leader
with respect for the lands he conquered. He often allowed the people of the land to retain their
cultural and religious practices without Persian intrusion.

The story is told of an instance of Cyrus' kindness to the prince of a conquered land. As was Cyrus'
custom with resistant rulers, the prince and his family were captured and sentenced to prison. Yet
before the prince was taken away, he beseeched Cyrus to release him from bondage. Cyrus asked the
prince, "What will you give me if I release you?" Sir, I will give you half of everything I own,"
proposed the prince. "What about for the release of your children?" "I will give you everything I
possess." Cyrus pressed on, "And what about for your wife?" Without hesitating the prince replied,
"I will give myself so she might be free." Moved by the man's love for his wife, Cyrus ordered they
be released and sent them home. As they traveled home, the prince commented to his wife, "Wasn't
Cyrus a handsome man?" She replied, "I couldn't tell. I was focused on the man who offered himself
for my freedom."

The prince's love for his wife was so strong that he would have offered himself as a slave so his
wife might be set free. He showed that true love offers not empty promises, but backs up those
promises with actions.

Paul teaches the Galatians a lesson about love, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in
this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." The Jewish people were taught the Ten Commandments,
the law, from a young age. They knew what to do and what not to do. Yet Paul showed them God's most
important law-the law of love.

God's law can be summed up in one word-love. Though God delights in godly living, He desires that
His children exercise love. Notice two loves that God desires would guide us as Christians.

Love for God. More important than following a list of rules is following a love for God. When you
love God, you'll gladly follow Him. Imagine this principle like this: say you were dating someone.
You went out of your way to be with them, express your love to them, and devoted yourself to that
person. You would do just about anything for them, right? Now imagine a person you did not
particularly get along with. If you were required to perform a task with them or complete a project
together, the time with them would not be very enjoyable. A lack of love or friendship caused the
task to be an assignment rather than an enjoyable time.

Many people view Christianity as the second situation-a situation of forceful behavior-yet God
desires that you would love Him so much that you would show that love through obeying His commands
and living for Him. A love for God will be shown through obedience to Him.

Love for others. Do you realize that God died for every person on earth? God loves them so much He
sent His Son to die for them just as He sent His Son to die for you. Because God loves them so much,
He desires that you would love them as well, which is why He says that loving your neighbor is one
of the most important commandments. You shouldn't treat others as second rate, but as people that
God loves.

How have you expressed your love for God? God desires that your love for Him would produce your
obedience to His laws, not out of duty, but out of desire. Also, how have you expressed your love
for others? Do you love others as much as you love yourself? Ask God to help you view others as He
views them. As you go about your day, remember that God loved your neighbor enough to sacrifice His
only Son for them. Treat them with love and kindness today.