Scripture for Today: I John 2:7 “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old commandment is the message you have heard.”

I love a good flea market where someone’s castoffs become someone else’s treasure.  The biggest flea market in Europe takes place in Lille, France every September going back to the 12th century!  It is comprised of 10,000 sellers who man 62 miles of roadside stalls.  It runs continuously for thirty six hours and welcomes two and a half million visitors!  Everyone is sure to find something old that pleases!

Our verse for today is a reminder that what is old can very well hold its value.  John is repeating an old commandment that continues to be valid; to love one another.  From the beginning we are commanded to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Deut. 6:5).  Jesus tells us that it is this commandment which sums up the whole Law (Luke 10:27).

This is an old commandment but still valid today, not to be thrown out with the Old Testament.  What was impossible to obey is now possible through Christ’s Spirit in us.  This old commandment was fulfilled perfectly in the life of Jesus.  Because He fulfilled the Law and gives me His Spirit, I can obey this long-standing commandment.

My problem is that I do not always choose to obey it.  Loving others has a way of disrupting my day!  I know I am incredibly selfish, and unlike the Lord, prefer to be served rather than serve.  But loving one another is a concrete and measurable way I can love my Lord.  More than anything, this thought spurs me to action!

Lord, make me a loving person today!