Love And The Ten Commandments

In modern America love is often defined by emotionalism and tolerance.  It involves tolerating whatever anyone does including sinful acts.  Of course love is most certainly never negative.  It is love with no content, we do not know what love really is.  The place to find the content for love is the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20).  We may not think of the Ten Commandments in this way but they do actually show us real love.  

If we love God we will have no other gods before him.  We will have no other gods in his presence, of course all other gods are false.  God is basically telling us to get those false gods out of my face.  We must worship the one, true God.  If we love God we will not make a carved image or false idol.  God is spirit, he has no physical form.  We must worship God in the proper way.  

If we love God we will not take his name in vain.  Taking his name in vain shows hatred of God.  Taking his name in vain includes using his name for a false oath, in an empty or casual way, or as a curse word.  What about observing the Sabbath Day?  It is no longer the same under the New Covenant.  Under the Old Covenant it was on Saturday.  Christians observe the Lords' Day which is on Sunday because the resurrection was on Sunday.  If we love God we will worship him on the Lord's Day.  

A person with true love will honor his parents.  He will obey them and show them the proper respect.  He will also take care of them when they are in need.  If you love your neighbor you will not murder him.  This would include things like abortion and euthanasia. These things are hateful acts.  In fact just hating someone violates the commandment prohibiting murder.  

If you love your neighbor you will not commit adultery with his wife.  Looking with lustful intent is also considered adultery.  If you love your neighbor you will not steal from him.  You will respect his property and possessions.  

If you love your neighbor you will not bear false witness against him.  Love is associated with the truth, lying shows hatred.  If you love your neighbor you will not covet his things.  In fact coveting often leads to murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and worshiping a false idol.  

The Ten Commandments show us the true content of love.  Sinful acts are never loving.  True love worships and obeys the one, true God and desires what is right for ones neighbor.  The ultimate goal of true love is always to glorify God.