The Essence of Christianity

"All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Gospel of Matthew 22:40).

What is the essence of Christianity? Is it service to God and humanity? Is it the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues? People have so many conceptions and misconceptions about what Christianity is. Jesus was very clear on the essence of His teachings and what was essential for our walk with God.

At the time of the text experts of the Law were trying to trick Jesus. They were testing his knowledge to try and discredit Him. I do not know why the religious spend so much time trying to discredit individuals as opposed to being seekers of enlightenment and truth. If many would spend more time on seeking the face of God they would spend less time trying to cast doubt in the mind of others about some one's life or ministry. The other day, a dear friend and mentor of mine shared as he watched the news reports about the political campaigns said, "It is amazing how nasty Christians can be and just plain mean."

The expert of the Law wanted to know what was the greatest commandment. Jesus cut to the chase and shared, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and the greatest commandment. And the second is like it; love your neighbor as yourself." He summarized the essence of the Word in two commandments. But let's look closer at the text, what he is saying is the essence of His teaching is LOVE!

Love in Greek is Agape. It is a love that is free and unconditional. The love of God is our motivation in our lives; It is not blessings, it is not just freedom being delivered from eternal retribution. God's love is our motivation in life. "For God so loved the world, that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (Gospel of John 3:16). God loves us! We must love God and then we must love others. Christianity is not just a personal relationship with the Father, it is also a relationship with others. We are instruments of the Love of God and we must always demonstrate the Father.

Have we embraced the essence of Christianity or have we embraced some religious spirit that keeps us in bondage?

LOVING with Faith and Power and Creating a Phenomenal Life!

Bishop Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL and Los Angeles, CA

Spiritual Prayer Treatment

Father, I walk in the fullness of your
Love. I embrace your Salvation and I share
your love.
In the Name of Jesus the Christ and Through His Power!
Amen! And So It Is!