22613. Boundaries and God
W
hen some people read the Bible, they see a book of rules,
do’s and don’ts. When others read it, they see a philoso-
phy of life, principles for the wise. Still others see mythology,
stories about the nature of human existence and the human
dilemma.
Certainly, the Bible contains rules, principles, and stories
that explain what it is like to exist on this earth. But to us, the
Bible is a living book about relationship. Relationship of God to
people, people to God, and people to each other. It is about a
God who created this world, placed people in it, related to
people, lost that relationship, and continues to heal that rela-
tionship. It is about God as creator: this is his creation. It is
about God as ruler: he ultimately controls his world and will
govern it. And it is about God as redeemer: he finds, saves, and
heals his loved ones who are lost and in bondage.
When a lawyer asked Jesus which was the greatest com-
mandment in the Law, Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your
God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the sec-
ond is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and
the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matt. 22:37–
40). The entire Scripture communicates a message of love.
“Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
But how do we do that? Well, that’s why there are so many
other passages! Loving God and our neighbor is difficult. One