Finally!! A passage that I get/understand without needing extended commentary to explain it or to put it into context! This passage is a favorite of mine. (But, then again, I have as many ‘favorite’ Bible passages as I have ‘favorite’ hymns…basically, too many of both!) As I read, two things came to mind.
First, if you want to look up the Old Testament passages that Paul quotes in today’s verses, you will find the commandments in Exodus 20:13 – 15 &17; and in Deuteronomy 17 – 19 & 21. The “Love your neighbor as yourself” is from Leviticus 19:18. And, as icing on the cake, Jesus quotes this same verse from Leviticus in Mark 12:31.
Second, in verse 10, we read, “Love does no harm” which reminds me of the first of the three General Rules we have as United Methodists: 1. Do no harm; avoid evil of every kind.
As a closing FYI for today's blog, the other two General Rules are 2. Do good…of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all; 3. Attend upon all the ordinances of God. (The ordinances are worship, hearing the scriptures preached/taught, personally searching the scriptures, communion, prayer, and fasting.)