Proof That God Loves You (Hint: Garden Snake!)

God gave Adam & Eve the choice of good and evil by allowing the snake in the Garden.

We’re given freedom to believe at WILL.

How Can Love Exist Without Free Will?

If love is the WHOLE of the law — via LORD Jesus Christ — how can love ACTUALLY exist without free will?

You are free to chose pain, instead of God.

To be clear, Adam & Eve chose Satan’s pain. Not God’s LOVE.

• True unconditional love — allows evil & pain to exist.

For the sake of God’s free love and freedom — within creation.

In the pursuit of liberty and justice, as enshrined in our Republic’s creed, we recognize that true freedom is the bedrock of justice.

Similarly, the essence of love is rooted in the gift of free will.

It is the choice to love that makes it meaningful.

This ethos mirrors the call of faith: ‘Pick up your cross and follow Jesus.’

It is an invitation, not a command, honoring the sanctity of free will.

Each day, as declared in scripture, is a creation of the Lord and inherently sacred.

Every moment is an opportunity, a unique gift – there exists nothing but the present.

In the profound words, ‘I AM WHO I AM,’ we find a declaration of being, a testament to existence in the now.

Let us embrace this existence with unconditional love, affirming each day with a resounding ‘Amen.

Did Jesus Actually Say That LOVE Is The LAW?

The quote “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” is indeed a central tenet in the teachings of Jesus, but it is important to note its origin and where it appears in the New Testament.

The original commandment comes from the Old Testament, specifically from Leviticus 19:18.

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms this commandment as a fundamental principle.

Here are the instances where it’s mentioned in the Gospels:

1. Matthew (Matthew 22:39): In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents this command as the second great commandment, after loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind.
2. Mark (Mark 12:31): Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus states, “The second [commandment] is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
3. Luke (Luke 10:27): In Luke, this command is part of Jesus’ conversation with a lawyer, where the lawyer himself states the commandment as part of summarizing the Law, and Jesus affirms it.
4. John: This specific verse isn’t directly quoted in the Gospel of John. However, the theme of love, especially Jesus’ command to love one another, is a recurrent theme in John’s Gospel (e.g., John 13:34-35).

In each of these instances, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of love for others as a fundamental aspect of his teachings.

This reiteration across multiple Gospels highlights the central place of love in Christian doctrine.

Leviticus 19:18

Leviticus 19:18 is a verse from the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, which holds significant importance in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

The verse reads:

“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.”

This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus that provides guidance on how to live a holy life.

The specific instructions in Leviticus 19 are diverse, covering various aspects of social, moral, and religious behavior.

The verse can be broken down into several key components:

1. Prohibition of Vengeance and Grudges: The verse begins by instructing not to take revenge or bear grudges against others. This promotes a community where disputes and conflicts do not escalate and where past wrongs are not allowed to perpetuate animosity.
2. Command to Love Your Neighbor: The verse then goes on to command love for one’s neighbor. This is a fundamental ethical principle that underpins many social laws in the Torah. The phrase “as yourself” suggests a standard of empathy and consideration for others’ wellbeing, promoting a sense of equality and mutual respect.
3. Identification of the Community: The phrase “the children of your people” indicates that this command initially applied to fellow members of the Israelite community. However, over time, both Jewish and Christian interpreters have expanded the understanding of “neighbor” to include all people, reflecting a more universal ethical principle.
4. Divine Authority: The verse concludes with the affirmation “I am the LORD,” which emphasizes that these instructions are not just moral guidelines but divine commandments. This adds a religious and spiritual dimension to the ethical behavior prescribed in the verse.

In the context of Jewish and Christian ethics, Leviticus 19:18 is often highlighted for its emphasis on love, kindness, and forgiveness as essential components of moral behavior.

In the New Testament, Jesus cites this commandment as central to his teachings, thereby elevating it to a principle that encapsulates the essence of Christian ethical behavior.

Matthew 22:39

Matthew 22:39 is a key verse in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament, where Jesus articulates the second greatest commandment.

This verse occurs in a context where Jesus is being tested by the Pharisees, a group of Jewish religious leaders.

They ask him about the greatest commandment in the Law.

In response, Jesus first cites the commandment to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-38), which is the greatest and first commandment.

Then he adds the second, which is found in Matthew 22:39:

“And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

The significance of this verse lies in several aspects:

1. Extension of Love Beyond Religious Obligations: While the first commandment Jesus mentions focuses on love for God, the second commandment expands the concept of love to interpersonal relationships. By stating that loving one’s neighbor as oneself is akin to loving God with all one’s being, Jesus highlights the inseparable nature of love for God and love for others.
2. Equality of the Commandments: Jesus says the second commandment is “like” the first. This equivalence shows that loving others is not secondary or lesser in importance, but is integral to the religious and ethical life of his followers.
3. The Standard of Love: The phrase “as yourself” sets a profound standard for love. It implies a level of empathy, concern, and consideration for others that is comparable to the care one naturally has for oneself. This standard challenges selfishness and calls for an altruistic approach to others.
4. Foundation of the Law and the Prophets: In the broader context of this passage (Matthew 22:40), Jesus explains that these two commandments sum up “all the Law and the Prophets.” This means that all Jewish religious and moral teachings can be encapsulated in these two principles of love.

In essence, Matthew 22:39 is not just a moral injunction but a foundational principle that underpins the teachings of Jesus.

It emphasizes that true religious observance cannot be separated from active love and compassion towards others.

This verse has been foundational in Christian ethics, influencing the understanding of moral and social responsibility in the Christian tradition.

Mark 12:31

Mark 12:31 is a significant verse in the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament.

This verse is part of a conversation where Jesus is questioned by one of the scribes about which commandment is the most important.

After Jesus responds that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, He adds the second most important commandment:

“The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

This statement holds several key points of significance:

1. Integration with the Greatest Commandment: Jesus presents this commandment immediately following the greatest commandment to love God. This placement shows the intrinsic connection between loving God and loving others. It suggests that these two forms of love are deeply intertwined and cannot be separated in the practice of genuine faith.
2. The Concept of Neighborly Love: The command to “love your neighbor as yourself” emphasizes the importance of treating others with compassion, empathy, and kindness, akin to the care and concern one typically has for oneself. This is a call to extend love beyond one’s immediate circle to include all individuals one encounters.
3. Equality and Universality: By equating love for others with love for oneself, Jesus is setting a high standard for interpersonal relationships. This love is not just about tolerance or kindness but involves a deep-seated sense of equality and respect for the dignity of every person.
4. Foundation of Christian Ethics: This commandment, along with the first, forms the foundation of Christian ethics. Jesus states that there is no commandment greater than these, underscoring their supreme importance in guiding moral and ethical behavior.
5. A Comprehensive Approach to the Law: In Mark 12:31, Jesus is summarizing the essence of the Mosaic Law and the teachings of the prophets. He is effectively saying that all the commandments of the Old Testament are fulfilled in these two commandments, highlighting the comprehensiveness of love as a moral principle.

In summary, Mark 12:31 is a central verse in Christian teachings, encapsulating the principle that love – both for God and for fellow humans – is the highest moral and spiritual imperative.

This verse has been pivotal in shaping Christian thought, ethics, and the understanding of social responsibility.

Luke 10:27

Luke 10:27 is a verse from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament and is part of a significant exchange between Jesus and an expert in the Jewish Law, commonly referred to as the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

In this passage, the legal expert asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.

Jesus turns the question back to the expert, asking him what is written in the Law.

The expert answers with this verse:

“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

This response combines two Old Testament scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands love for God, and Leviticus 19:18, which commands love for one’s neighbor.

The significance of Luke 10:27 lies in several aspects:

1. Summarization of the Law: The expert’s answer encapsulates the essence of Jewish law and teaching. By combining these two commandments, he highlights that the core of religious life is grounded in love – both towards God and towards others.
2. Jesus’ Affirmation: Jesus affirms this summarization as the correct understanding of the Law, indicating its fundamental importance in the practice of faith.
3. Foundation for the Parable of the Good Samaritan: This verse sets the stage for the Parable of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus expands on the concept of “neighbor” to include even those outside one’s immediate community or social group. The parable illustrates that neighborly love transcends ethnic, religious, and social boundaries.
4. Integral Relationship Between Love for God and Love for Others: The verse underscores that love for God and love for others are intrinsically connected. One cannot truly love God, according to the teachings of Jesus, without also loving their neighbor.
5. Defining ‘Neighbor’: In the context of the ensuing parable, Jesus challenges the limited understanding of ‘neighbor’ and redefines it to include anyone in need, thereby broadening the scope of love and compassion.

Luke 10:27, therefore, is not just a recitation of Jewish Law but a profound statement about the nature of true religious and ethical life.

It speaks to the heart of Christian teaching, emphasizing that love – both divine and human – is central to the life of faith.

John 13:34-35

John 13:34-35 is a passage from the Gospel of John in the New Testament, where Jesus imparts a new commandment to his disciples.

The verses read:

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

These verses are significant for several reasons:

1. A New Commandment: Jesus introduces this directive as a “new commandment,” distinguishing it from the Old Testament commandments. While the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus 19:18, commands to “love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus intensifies this command by asking his followers to love others as he has loved them. This introduces a higher standard of love, based on Jesus’ example of sacrificial and unconditional love.
2. The Standard of Jesus’ Love: The measure of love that Jesus sets is his own love for his disciples. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates this love through his teachings, healings, acts of compassion, and ultimately, his sacrifice on the cross. This form of love goes beyond general affection or obligation; it is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.
3. A Mark of Discipleship: Jesus states that love for one another will be the defining characteristic of his followers. This is significant because it shifts the emphasis from adherence to ritual and law (as was common in religious practice of the time) to the practice of love as a way of life. It suggests that the true measure of being a disciple of Jesus is not just belief or religious observance, but active, selfless love towards others.
4. Community and Witness: This commandment is also about building a community based on love and serving as a witness to the world. The love that Jesus’ followers show to one another is meant to be a testament to their faith and an example to others, reflecting the love and nature of God.

In summary, John 13:34-35 captures a central theme of Jesus’ teaching and the Christian faith – that love, modeled on the love of Christ himself, is fundamental to the life and identity of a Christian.

It’s a call to a deep, active love that not only shapes personal relationships but also defines the Christian community as a whole.

Deuteronomy 6:5

Deuteronomy 6:5 is a verse from the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically from the Book of Deuteronomy, which is part of the Torah or Pentateuch.

This verse is crucial both in Jewish and Christian traditions. It reads:

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

This commandment is part of a larger section known as the Shema, a foundational prayer in Jewish religious practice.

The significance of Deuteronomy 6:5 can be understood in several ways:

1. Total Devotion to God: This verse calls for a complete and undivided devotion to God. It emphasizes that loving God is not merely an emotional sentiment but involves the whole being – the heart (emotions and will), the soul (one’s entire living being), and strength (physical and material resources).
2. Foundational Principle of Jewish Faith: In Judaism, this verse is a core expression of the monotheistic faith and the relationship between God and Israel. It is central to the daily prayer rituals and is often one of the first scriptural passages taught to children.
3. A Call to Remember and Teach: The broader context of this verse (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) includes instructions to keep these words in the heart, to teach them diligently to children, talk of them at home and on the way, bind them as a sign on the hand, and write them on the doorposts and gates. This reflects the importance of continually remembering and practicing God’s commandments.
4. A Covenantal Command: Deuteronomy is a book that largely consists of Moses’ speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This verse, therefore, is part of the covenantal agreement between God and the Israelites, outlining their obligations in response to God’s acts of deliverance.
5. Influence on Christian Teachings: In the New Testament, Jesus cites this commandment as the greatest commandment in the Law (e.g., Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27). It thereby forms a bridge between Jewish and Christian understandings of devotion to God.

In summary, Deuteronomy 6:5 is a cornerstone verse that encapsulates the essence of the relationship between God and believers, calling for a holistic and unwavering commitment to God.

It is a verse that has shaped religious thought, practice, and identity in both Judaism and Christianity.

Genesis First Echo Of Love As Law – Via Obedience To God

In the Book of Genesis, while there is no verse that directly echoes the commandment to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength as explicitly as Deuteronomy 6:5, there are themes and narratives that reflect a deep commitment and faithfulness to God, which can be seen as a form of expressing love and devotion.

One of the key narratives that embody this principle is the story of Abraham, particularly in Genesis 22, known as the Binding of Isaac (Akedah).

In this story, God tests Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac.

Abraham’s willingness to obey God, even to the extent of sacrificing his own son, demonstrates an extraordinary level of devotion and trust in God.

This story is often interpreted as a demonstration of complete faith and commitment to God, which can be seen as a form of loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength.

Another example is the narrative of Jacob, who in Genesis 28:20-22, makes a vow to God, promising that if God remains with him, protects him on his journey, and provides for him, then the Lord shall be his God.

This vow reflects Jacob’s commitment and reliance on God, indicating a relationship that involves deep trust and reverence.

While Genesis does not contain a direct commandment about loving God in the same way as stated in Deuteronomy 6:5, the overarching themes of faith, trust, and commitment to God found in the stories of the patriarchs resonate with the principle of a profound devotion to God.

1. The Story of Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 22)

Abraham, often called the father of faith, is a central figure in Genesis.

His journey encapsulates deep trust and commitment to God.

Notable instances include:

• God’s Call and Abraham’s Response (Genesis 12): When God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and go to an unknown land with the promise of blessing, Abraham’s obedience reflects trust and commitment to God, akin to loving God with all his being.
• Covenant with God (Genesis 15): God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars. Abraham’s faith in God’s promise, despite his old age, demonstrates a profound belief and trust in God.
• Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22): Perhaps the most striking example of Abraham’s devotion is his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac when God commands him to do so. His obedience, even in the face of such a harrowing test, reflects an unparalleled level of devotion to God.

2. The Story of Jacob (Genesis 28, 32)

Jacob’s experiences and his evolving relationship with God also illustrate deep devotion:

• Jacob’s Ladder and Vow (Genesis 28:10-22): Jacob’s dream of a ladder to heaven and subsequent vow to God if He protects and provides for him reflects a turning point in Jacob’s understanding and commitment to God.
• Wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-32): Jacob’s wrestling with a divine being (interpreted as God or an angel) until daybreak, after which he is blessed and given the name Israel, is symbolic of his struggle and enduring commitment to God.

3. The Theme of Faith and Trust in God

Throughout Genesis, a recurring theme is the faith and trust that key figures place in God, often in challenging circumstances.

This trust is a form of devotion and love towards God, showcasing a reliance on His guidance and promises.

4. Creation and Relationship with God (Genesis 1-3)

The creation narrative sets the stage for humanity’s relationship with God.

While the explicit command to love God is not stated, the intended harmony and close relationship between God and humans in the Garden of Eden can be seen as an ideal of communion with God.

Conclusion

While Genesis does not explicitly command love for God in the way Deuteronomy 6:5 does, the book is replete with narratives that demonstrate profound trust, faith, and commitment to God.

These narratives and themes lay the groundwork for understanding the nature of a relationship with God, which later biblical texts, like Deuteronomy and the Gospels, articulate more explicitly in terms of love and devotion.