The Christian Life made simple.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.
And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On
these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew
22:37-40).
What It’s All About
This is what the Christian life is all about.
Our Creator made us in His image. He has charged us with living like
Him, the God of love. But we have failed. Big time.
God knew we would. And so because He is love, He has made a way for us to be transformed.
He
sent His Son to live a life of love toward God and others in our place.
While Jesus loved mankind perfectly, we spit in His face. Rejected Him.
Left Him for dead.
But Love is stronger than the grave, and He
rose victoriously, securing a forgiven past and a brand-new present and
future for all who would trust in Him.
That’s not all. He hasn’t
left you to muster up love for Himself and for others on your own. He
has given His Spirit to all who trust in Him — this Spirit who just
naturally produces love.
So if you’re anxious like me, I have good news. You can breathe deep. The Christian life is simple, really:
Love God.
Love others.
Repent and believe the gospel.
Okay,
it’s your turn to talk. How does this simple summary of the Christian
life focus and/or redirect your hectic life? Do you need to repent of
not loving God and others and believe the gospel — that in Christ you
are forgiven? What can you do today to cooperate with the Spirit in you
in loving God and others? Live according to His words.
[written by Paula Marsteller]
