The Greatest Commandments of God

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2011 6:59 am Post subject: The Greatest Commandments of God

He that sacrifices to gods, shall be put to death, save only to the Lord. You shall not molest a stranger, nor afflict him: for yourselves also were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not hurt a widow or an orphan. If you hurt them they will cry out to me, and I will hear their cry: And my rage shall be enkindled, and I will strike you with the sword, and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

If you lend money to any of my people that is poor, that dwells with you, you shall not be hard upon them as an extortioner, nor oppress them with useries. If you take of your neighbor a garment in pledge, you shall give it him again before sunset. For that same is the only thing wherewith he is covered, the clothing of his body, neither has he any other to sleep in: if he cries to me, I will hear him, because I am compassionate. ( Exodus 22:20-28 )

Knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election: For our gospel has not been unto you in word only, but in power also, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much fulness, as you know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes. And you became followers of us, and of the Lord; receiving the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Spirit: So that you were made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia. For from you was spread abroad the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia, and in Achaia, but also in every place, your faith which is towards God, is gone forth, so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves relate of us, what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God. And to wait for his Son from heaven (whom he raised up from the dead,) Jesus, who has delivered us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-10)

But the Pharisees hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, came together: And one of them, a doctor of the law, asking him, tempting him: Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said to him: You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and with your whole mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like to this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depends the whole law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:34-40)

That which draws the wrath of the Lord are the actions of those who would cause harm to the children of His creation. The commandments He has laid before us is so that we will live together in peace, without causing harm to one another. Generation after generation has disappointed Him, but His love for us has not decreased.

The one who follows the way of evil is deceived, for they believe there is some gain for them through the abuses of whatever power they think they have; but woe to them, for the day will come when they will be held to account for what they have done. The cries of those who suffer will be heard by the Lord; every one who causes strife and misery will be held to account.

Blessed are those who offer compassion for those in need, for through their charity are done the works of God. He will remember the comfort offered, for those who act in love, act in His image. It is within each of us to act with the compassion of the Lord.

Who is it that finds offense in a compassionate God, a God of love, except those who are threatened by compassion and love? Those who serve the darkness will recoil from the light, but those who understand love will recognize the true power of the Lord and seek the light.

The power of God is revealed through love, for it is through love that the blessings of heaven are experienced by His children on earth. It is through the love of God we are offered salvation despite our failings. Blessed are those who seek to offer the love of the Lord for they will come to know His blessings.

The commandments of the Lord were not given to us so that we might be oppressed, rather they were given to us so that we might live by the blessings of His love. That some find His commandments so difficult to follow reveals the evil which seeks to tempt and separate the children of God from their Creator.

The Creator of all that is visible and invisible could subdue us with oppressive force, but instead, He has chosen to guide us through grace and love. Force may earn fear, but love is the greater strength. Love gains what evil cannot. It is for this reason that the true power of the Lord is revealed through love. It is for this reason that He calls us to love, for it is through love that we were created, it is through love we are able to live in His image.

It is weakness which falls to evil. It is strength which rises to love. Through prayer we should ask that hearts are softened so that the blessings of the Word of God prevails. Blessed are those who are called to the power of love and charity, for they bring the perfection of God to the world.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier