The Word of God...

is fulfilled by love. Love is the fulfillment of God's law.

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus states that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill His Father's law. He performed all that was required according to the Law.

Which is why I'm always amused when some reject God's word, or law, as unloving but they are the first to call Jesus, "Love". Well, His love to and for others was not an "essence" without moorings. Jesus' love to and for others was firmly anchored in the righteous exercise, work and accomplishment of His Father's words--all.of.them.

Jesus demonstrated His love for us by keeping the law perfectly that we could not keep. He demonstrated His love for us by paying the penalty of sin that was ours deservedly for not having kept His Father's law. His sacrifice was in vain if for mere ephemeral ooshy gooshy feeling la essence of love.

His sacrifice is glorious because it was full, eternal, never to be snatched away, propitiation for our sin. Amen!

And Jesus continues to demonstrate His love for us by teaching that if we love Him, then we will keep His words. All.of.them.

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome,...1 John 5:2-3

If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15

More tough stuff for a believer to do. Interestingly, the commands for obedience are not caveated by, "As you feel so inclined.." or "When and if you feel like doing so..." There is no getting off the hook.

Jesus defined the law and love this way in Matthew 22:36:

Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

I appreciate Al Martin's instruction here as well, "Law is the eye of love; without it, love is blind. Love is the soul of law; without love, law is dead."

Without love, defined according to God's law and exercised thereby, a believer cannot live a truly believing life.