Simple Gospel

Matthew 22:37-40 “And he said to him, ‘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.’"

A good friend of mine who died a few years ago had a profound way of looking at this passage of scripture. He would say, “The gospel is really quite simple; it’s all about loving God and loving your brother and sisters.” I think that not only did he speak these words, but he lived them as well. There is something unique about the person who figures out how simple being a Christ’ follower really is.

Simple gospel is God’s way of providing for us the basics for living life to the fullest extent. I am always somewhat amused by the type of person who makes more requirements for living as a follower of Christ than Christ did Himself. Legalisms have a way of robbing us of the joy of faith and produce very little in return. In fact, Jesus Himself says that, “I have come to bring you life and that life will be abundant and free.” What is it about free that we don’t get?

In reality, when you put everything into perspective concerning the gospel, it really is all about loving God and loving each other. Perhaps that is why for some people it is difficult. Loving God and loving others is the result of being able to fully love ourselves. Therein is the problem; un-forgiven people do not understand the freedom that results when they are fully forgiven through the love of God in Christ Jesus. Let me say that again. The ability to love others results because of the power of God’s love demonstrated to us through Jesus Christ.

That’s not simple, my friends; that is profound. When we realize that God created us as receptors of His love in order to fully love and be fully loved. The mystery of the gospel is that God loved us even when we were unlovely and living in sin.

Now the opposite becomes attainable. We can love God fully and at the same time enjoy the opportunity of loving others as He Himself loves. In fact, this is not an option but a command for the living of life, because according to scripture, everything--the law and the prophets--hinges upon this love relationship with God and with others.

So here is the practice for our living life. Begin today to tell God you love Him; He knows it but you need to reinforce it. Tell others you love them. But watch out for the unexpected.

The simple gospel--not really so simple is it?

Blessings, Rip