Part Two: The Commands of Jesus

Two foundation commands undergird every category that follows. These are not the suggestions of a wise teacher. When Jesus commands, the Creator commands. The nine categories are the shape love takes when it has a body in the world.

Foundation Commands

1. Love God with Everything

"You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength."

Matthew 22:37-40 | Deuteronomy 6:5

2. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

"You must love your neighbor as yourself."

Matthew 22:39 | Leviticus 19:18

A — Love Commands

3. Love One Another

"I give you a new commandment — to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples — if you have love for one another."

John 13:34-35

4. Love Your Enemies

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Matthew 5:44

5. Turn the Other Cheek

"But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well."

Matthew 5:39

6. Go the Extra Mile

"And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two."

Matthew 5:41

7. Give Your Cloak Also

"And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, give him your coat also."

Matthew 5:40

8. Forgive Others

"For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins."

Matthew 6:14-15

9. Do Not Judge Hypocritically

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive. Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but fail to see the beam of wood in your own eye?"

Matthew 7:1-3

10. Serve One Another

"But it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Mark 10:43-45

11. Reconcile Before Worship

"So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift."

Matthew 5:23-24