What Does the Commandment of Love Do?
1. The Place of the Commandment of Love
When Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” (Matthew 22:36), He answered with the command to love God and neighbor. This answer shows that the commandment of love is not a minor detail but the very heart of biblical teaching. It is called the greatest commandment because it defines all others.
The commandment of love:
Directs the believer toward God with complete devotion.
Extends outward in service and compassion toward others.
Provides the framework for obedience to every other command in Scripture.
Thus, the commandment of love is not just one among many—it is the principle behind all moral and spiritual life.
2. The Commandment of Love Toward God
The first part of the commandment of love is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). This draws from the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4–5, which was central to Israel’s identity.
What does this do in the believer’s life?
It sets priorities – God comes first above all else.
It shapes worship – devotion to God is not empty ritual but heartfelt love.
It builds trust – love for God anchors faith in His promises.
It forms obedience – commandments are kept not out of fear but out of love.
The commandment of love toward God draws the whole self—heart, soul, mind, and strength—into relationship with Him.
3. The Commandment of Love Toward Neighbor
Jesus joined the first command with the second: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). This teaching is rooted in Leviticus 19:18 and expanded by Jesus in His parables and actions.
What does this do for human relationships?
It removes selfishness – treating others as image-bearers of God.
It demands justice – seeking the good of others rather than exploitation.
It shows compassion – caring for those who are weak, poor, or marginalized.
It breaks barriers – redefining “neighbor” to include strangers and enemies.
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) illustrates this perfectly. The commandment of love turns neighbors into family and transforms society by overcoming prejudice, hatred, and division.
4. How the Commandment of Love Summarizes the Law
Jesus said, “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:40). This means every command in the Bible is an expression of love for God or neighbor.
The first four commandments (Exodus 20:3–11) – No other gods, no idols, honoring God’s name, keeping the Sabbath – express love for God.
The last six commandments (Exodus 20:12–17) – honoring parents, not murdering, not committing adultery, not stealing, not lying, not coveting – express love for neighbor.
Thus, the commandment of love does not replace the Ten Commandments but explains their true meaning. Paul confirms this in Romans 13:10: “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
5. The Commandment of Love and the Gospel of Christ
The commandment of love also shows the heart of the gospel. God’s own love is the source: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). The gospel is not merely information about rules; it is the announcement that God has acted in love through Christ to redeem sinners.
The commandment of love does several things in light of the gospel:
Reveals God’s character – God is love (1 John 4:8), and His commands reflect His nature.
Exposes human sin – we fall short of love for God and neighbor, showing our need for grace.
Drives us to Christ – only in Him do we find forgiveness and new life.
Transforms believers – the Spirit enables obedience to the command of love.
The gospel therefore fulfills the law not by setting it aside, but by empowering the life of love it requires.
6. The Commandment of Love and the Kingdom of God
The commandment of love does not only apply to personal ethics but reveals the life of the kingdom of God. In this kingdom:
God is loved as the rightful King.
Neighbors are loved as fellow citizens of His reign.
Justice, mercy, and faithfulness are upheld.
Love for God and neighbor is therefore the ethic of the kingdom both now and in the future. When Christ returns, the commandment of love will be perfectly fulfilled in the new creation, where God’s people dwell in His presence and love one another without sin or division.
7. The Practical Outworking of the Commandment of Love
The commandment of love reshapes daily life in tangible ways:
In relation to God
Prayer and worship flow from love, not mere duty.
Scripture is read and obeyed out of desire to know Him.
Idolatry and distraction are resisted because love seeks God first.
In relation to others
Families are honored and nurtured.
Truth and honesty guide speech.
Generosity overcomes greed.
Enemies are forgiven and prayed for.
The commandment of love does not stop at feelings but produces action in every sphere of life.
Conclusion
So, what does the commandment of love do? It unites devotion to God and service to neighbor, it summarizes the entire law, it exposes sin and points to the gospel, and it sets forth the ethic of God’s kingdom. Far from being a vague ideal, the commandment of love is the living center of Christian faith and practice.
The Bible makes clear that love is not optional—it is the fulfillment of God’s will for His people. Through Christ and by the Spirit, believers are empowered to love God fully and love their neighbors genuinely. This is what the commandment of love does: it brings God’s eternal purposes into daily life and prepares His people for the kingdom to come.
Bible Verses About the Commandment to Love
Deuteronomy 6:5 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 22:37–39 – “You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 22:40 – “On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Mark 12:30–31 – “There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Luke 10:27 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… and your neighbor as yourself.”
Romans 13:10 – “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Galatians 5:14 – “The whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us.”
1 John 4:20–21 – “He who loves God must love his brother also.”
