Devotion:
Read Exodus 20:1-17.
The Ten Commandments show us the actions that demonstrate our love to God and to others. They include instructions both on what not to do as well as what to do. The first four commandments refer to love we demonstrate toward God. The last four refer to the love we demonstrate to others.
Only two of the Ten Commandments clearly tell us what to do: "keep the Sabbath holy" and "honor your father and mother." However, by telling us what not to do, the other eight imply what we are to do. For example, by telling us not to worship other gods, God means that we are to worship him alone. By not taking his name in vain, we show respect to our Creator. If we truly love our neighbors, we will not murder them, lie to them, commit adultery against them, or covet what is theirs. The Ten Commandments were given as the law and ethical rules for living in ancient Israel. The commandments still apply to us today.
When Jesus was asked which of God's laws was most important, he answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39). Then he says something else, "All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." In other words, obeying the letter of the law is not as important as demonstrating love to God and to others. When we truly love God and our neighbor, we will naturally keep the commandments.
Personal Worship Option:
What are the things you do that show you love God? What are the things you do that show you love others? Concentrate today on demonstrating your love to God and others.
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