Love is God’s Will Pt. 1

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

South Park is one of the most divisive and caustic comedies on TV. They have left no stone unturned to offend a people or a culture. Their latest target depicts the current president going to bed with Satan. Many supporters applaud South Park for its blistering criticism and bravery in addressing the issues. But, I wonder, how is this going to change anything for the better?

If you are ever stuck on God’s will for your life, there is no better question than “How should I love a neighbor today?” Jesus consistently couples loving God and loving your neighbor together as the top two requirements for knowing God’s will. Galatians 5:14 sums up the whole law with a command to love your neighbor. In this instance, Paul is urging his church to refrain from making hurtful comments and bitter remarks, instead focusing on humble service. Loving your neighbor involves abstaining from certain behaviors and engaging in other ones.

Today, Christians need to work on their reaction and expectations of others. We are bombarded with everyone’s viewpoint, criticism, hot take, and opinion. The temptation is to jump into the mosh pit of arguing. There is a time for truth and honesty, but our default position should be humble servants. It sounds like a demotion compared to being a scholar, a prophet, or a professor, but scripture is confident that the Gospel is successful when people see the humble servant in us.

Figure it Out:

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:13-15

  1. Circle any words or phrases that you find significant. What makes them important?
  2. What can you take away from your conversational habits that will fulfill God’s will?
  3. What can you add to your conversational habits that will fulfill God’s will?
  4. What does serving one another humbly in love look like?

P.S. If you watch South Park, I won’t judge you, but you owe yourself some better comedy shows.

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