As many of you know by now, on my website I have a form that you can fill-out (even anonymously) if you have a Bible Question which I will either address in an article or a sermon. I have received a question recently “What do you think is the hardest commandment for the church on the whole to follow?” This is a very broad question but I will do my best to consider what the Scriptures have to say based on my perspective.
When we look into the book of Acts for example, we see that the early church in Jerusalem had a sense of community based on their needs.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42–47.
These words are recorded to give the reader a sense of what the church looked like on a daily basis. Although our churches in America today do not necessarily reflect the image of the church in Jerusalem, the sentiment is a great goal to try and attain. We see the sacrificial love that the saints had for one another based on their need and preformed acts of generosity to model the example and teachings of Jesus. One of the most highly celebrated acts for a Christian to do is to show forth the same kind of love towards our family in Christ.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Romans 12:9-10
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Co 16:14
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph 5:2
“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” Heb 6:10
“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” 1 Jn 3:11.
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” 1 Jn 5:2–3.
Although it may seem simple, showing true love to one another is the perfect model to be more like God since through His love we have been redeemed. We reflect the love first shown to us, towards others and sometimes that is no easy thing.