Anyone who has read the New Testament knows that if the Old Testament law had to be summed up in one word, that word would be “love.” But why “love,” rather than “fear” or “obedience”?

In a new article at TGC, Josh Philpot explains why covenantal love is the greatest and overarching commandment in God’s law.

• Because covenantal love is more than an emotion. It’s a heart-level commitment of undivided devotion to God.
• Because covenantal love captures the essence of what godly “fear” actually means. It’s less likely to be confused with faithless terror.

Since Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, the commandment to love God (and neighbor) remains eminently relevant for us as new-covenant Christians. But in a culture that defines love in a radically different way than Scripture does, let’s be sure we know what God actually requires of us.