The Greatest Commandment
copyright 2001 by Lori Ramsey

I truly believe that all the world’s woes could be solved by one little word – love. It’s a verb that could literally change the entire world. No small wonder Jesus said it was the greatest commandment.

In John 13:34 Jesus said A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. It’s no mistake that love is referred to numerous times in the Bible. Yet, I believe that love is the most over-looked word. Back in the 60’s when the “hippy” time was prevalent love was the super theme, however it was clouded with the abuse of recreational drugs. Love gets swept under the carpet as being “boring” or “unimportant” nowadays – in this “satisfy-me-now” world. And it’s a pity.

In all honesty, if everybody would operate in love – true agape love, the world would indeed become a paradise of sorts – and God’s glory would truly shine. Agape love is an all encompassing, non-judging love – the kind of love that God has for us and the kind of love He expects us to have toward each other.

In my own Christian walk I have been confronted with teachings about love and really felt it was a waste of time. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t fully understand the full impact of love. Love holds the key to peace and harmony. Love is the answer to all the problems we face as humanity. If we would answer the call Jesus placed on us, and take literally what he commanded – this world would transform right before our very eyes.

This is not something that each one of us can do on a grand scale. To act in love begins in our very own personal circle. It’s gentle like a small pebble being tossed into a still pond. When love starts with one person – it gently ripples outward to the shore – caressing those closest to us. It’s contagious, as we act in love – we prompt those around us to do the same. As each person in turn reacts to the love and in love – then the small pebble becomes larger and larger. If only the entire world would react and obey the command to love – soon the pebble would transform into a huge boulder that would cause a huge wave that would change it’s shore forever – so it would be for the world.

How do we love? I’m not talking about the romantic love – I’m talking agape. We simply treat others as we would be treated. This is the golden rule. John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

All through the Bible we read that God is love. It was out of love – that God sent us our salvation - John 3:16 For God so loved the whole world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. That’s pretty simple – and yet how many of you would sacrifice your own child to save the world. God loves us that much!

And the chapter of love – 1 Corinthians 13 – defines love. Particularly in verse 10 when it says But when that which is perfect is come, - I believe that which is perfect is talking about the church walking in absolute love. To further clarify my opinion on the that which is perfect I think it is us "putting on Christ" - I mean we are the "Body of Christ" - right? And when we daily put on Christ and walk in that perfect love - then Jesus is manifested in and through us - and then He can bodily return Himself.

And the last verse – 13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (love)