John 13:34-35

What Do I Live By?

A Question Of Values

Romans 13:8-10

What Do I Live By?

A Question Of Values

“Love is the fulfillment of the Law.” As we conclude this week on values and what set of rules we should live by, Paul puts the Law into prospective. The reason for the commands and instructions of the Lord is so that we will live righteous lives in harmony with our neighbors and in relationship with God. The values defined in the Bible are how we love one another. We do not commit murder, adultery, lie, or steal because to do so would not be loving toward our neighbor. God gives us these commands so that we can show our love toward one another.

What can you do today or this weekend to show neighborly love? I think the Ten Commandments are probably the least you can do (please don’t murder someone). More than the Ten Commandments, what kindness can you show to a person in need this weekend? After all, the Parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that neighbors are not just the people who live near you but the ones who need mercy. “Love does no wrong to a neighbor.” How can we sum up a Christian’s values? It’s not a list of rules. It just one’s way of life: love one another. 

Galatians 5:19-24

What Do I Live By?

A Question Of Values

The values we live by are much more than just a list of rules. Our values are also the way we act in the world. If you follow the Ten Commandments, but cause strife, hold on to jealousy, or lash out in anger, you are not living in the way God wants you to. These are not characteristics of someone who is a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

The characteristics of a Kingdom citizen are the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. I’d like to remind you that fruit is in the singular in verse 22. This means that the characteristics described are not a buffet of characteristics but, altogether, the way that a Christian should act. When you confess Jesus as your Savior and the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of you, you are supposed to live with the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control of the Holy Spirit.

This work is not something of your own doing, but it is completed by giving up control of your life to God. You cannot have more patience; you can only let God give you His patience. And the same with the other aspects of the Spirit’s fruit. Let God control your life. This is how you should live.