How Do We Truly Love God and Neighbors?
The idea of showing love towards God and our neighbors often seems to be intertwined with religious legalism. This view portrays God demanding specific actions of us, which can easily be misinterpreted as a burden or obligation. In reality, both loving God and loving our neighbors are profound expressions of our inner spirit rather than strict commandments.
Understanding the True Nature of Love
In contemporary theology, it is important to recognize that God is ultimately about Spirit and Love. Apostle Paul emphasized the sanctity and unity of this divine essence: “We are living temples of the Spirit of God and the fruit of the Spirit is love.” This perspective suggests that our identification as beings of Love needs to be the central focus, not external legal requirements.
The primary obstacle to experiencing this love is the ego. The doctrine is clear: Love does not need law/legalism. Love is its own compulsion. The true path to expressing love is through our actions, which align with the divine, rather than strict adherence to a set of prescribed behaviors.
Expressing Love Through Obedience
1 John 5:3 For the true love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts.
To understand and follow God's requirements, it is essential to first seek knowledge. John 17:3 states: This means everlasting life their taking in knowledge of you the only true God and of the one whom you sent forth Jesus Christ.
By diligently studying the Bible, we can gain insight into God and Jesus, as well as their eternal relationship. As our understanding grows, our natural inclination towards love deepens. This process allows us to prioritize spiritual growth over external obligations.
Loving Ourselves and Others
Self-Love: To truly love others, we must first learn to love ourselves. This requires a deep understanding of our own selves – a journey that the Bible beautifully encapsulates. Matthew 7:12 describes the historic principle of the Bible: Therefore, in everything, treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Every act of self-love and acceptance sets us on a path to becoming more compassionate towards others. The Bible, often seen as a mirror, reflects our true state and reveals the areas where we need growth and improvement. By embracing God's love, we can learn to love ourselves despite our initial lack of self-love.
Practical Steps for True Love
For those seeking to delve deeper into this spiritual journey, resources like the Bible are invaluable. The Bible provides a comprehensive guide that can help in both understanding God's will and in personal growth. Jehovah's Witnesses offer a comprehensive Bible study course that is free and flexible to your schedule. Through various formats such as articles, videos, and direct interactions, you can enhance your spiritual journey.
In conclusion, loving God and our neighbors comes from a place of inner spiritual understanding and self-love, rather than external legalism. By seeking knowledge, embracing self-love, and following the Golden Rule, we can truly exemplify the love that is central to all spiritual teachings.