Law starts with love. Because how did Jesus say we are to do the law? By loving God and neighbor as ourselves.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10
“Love must be sincere…” And then Paul continues in the chapter with all these things we should be doing: hating evil, clinging to good, being joyful, patient, blessing those who curse us, etc.
And not just love, but sincere love. If we’re focused on the list, box checking, refrigerator list Christianity, even though they are all things you should be doing: you are practicing hospitality or sharing with those in need…there’s a danger- we may have a secret ulterior motive.
One of our motivations is the hope that we’ll be loved back.
So, in that case, you’re really doing it for yourself. It’s self-love.
- What can I get out of it?
- Will people like me more?
- Will God love me more?
Self love is not sincere love. Sincere means without hypocrisy. And if we’re not sincere, we’re hypocrites. Self love is hypocrisy.
We’re not really doing it because we love others, we’re doing it because we love ourselves.
Check out how we learn to do it the right way, in love, here:
Drive By Theology 