www.arky.org	ARKY CC Editorials	©Jan 2000

Love the...
by Ronnie E. Cooper

In our language love is meaningless without an object. It is an action word that needs more than itself to be fulfilled. But its fullness is not in seeing (e.g., infatuation) or receiving (e.g., adoration); it is only in GIVING that Love finds its way. Hence, Love cannot be Love, if it is only received! But where Love receives its return, Love is magnified and increased. One may use the analogy and say, Love is... “The touch of sunlight on a cloudy day.” But it is the mark of wisdom to recognize that real Love would be in the giver of the sunlight. The receiver has this Love as a good gift, but has not yet loved in return.

Women and men recognize the traits of Love and greatly desire them. Sometimes we desire them so much, we sell Love short. It can only be in the context of God’s Love for us that our Love for one another can reach its zenith. In the New Testament (Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." That Law is the “Perfect 10” and it gives us meaning to live our lives in a loving environment. The “new commandments” explain the heart of this “Perfect Ten.” The Ten Commandments are a message of Love from the Loving God who designed us.

Love is a holy thing, for it is of God. God is Love. His Ten Commandments are practical Love in action when followed (like an operating manual). They direct a community to meet needs in a loving and responsible way. They are a secure boundary to operate within the Love of our Creator God. He made us, Loves us, and knows how we are designed. Likewise, if you Love someone, you should also know what makes them tick. Study them and meet their needs.

Many say, falsely, that these perfect laws of God must be shunned by government and schools. Many homes, churches, and businesses have also neglected them as the wise reminders we need. Beware of mankind’s common prayer and common hope for Love that deserts and avoids God’s good laws for us. The USA, under our founding Fathers, codified our legal system by these laws, but these foundational laws continue to be removed. Can it be that killing, stealing, disrespect, and hopelessness will decrease, unless we remember, reverence, and tell each other these good laws. These are laws that keep us free to Love and safe in that Love. A forgotten or unseen sign post leaves the traveler lost until it is found. Are these Ten Commandments part of your life, home, church, business? If so, then the “new commandments” are on solid ground in your life and you are a great lover of all good things!

Love FIRST the Lord God, your Creator. You will then properly Love all of His Creation.