For many, the Ten Commandments are God’s list to man about what ‘not’ to do, however if you just see the 10 as a big list of do’s and don’ts then you’ve missed it. The entire Bible makes it pretty clear that we serve a relational God-

“God so loved the world that he sent his Son”

“For the Lord loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones;”

“Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the Lord”

 “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.”

In keeping with His true character, the Ten Commandments were presented as a love list to us. Let’s put on the right frame of mind, the one that says I serve a God who absolutely loves me and read them together:

• Thou shalt have no other gods before me

(They will let you down and not protect you or lay their life down for you the way I have).

• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images

(In a real relationship an image is a counterfeit. I want a real life relationship with you. An idol is something you try to control. You don’t want to control me, it would limit how well I can love and bless you).

• That shalt not take the Lord’s name in vain

(I don’t curse your name, why would you curse mine? If am held in high esteem than you will hold me in a special place in your heart. Just as I hold you in mine).

• Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy

(You work so hard, take a day to rest and meditate on the great relationship we are developing).

• Honor thy Father and thy Mother

(They are the first relationships you will encounter. They aren’t perfect and neither are you. But doing this will help you keep your pride in check, I enjoy lifting up the humble).

• Thou shalt not kill.

(You cannot kill another human without killing a bit of yourself. I don’t want any part of you to die).

• Thou shalt not commit adultery

(I have created you in such a way to express love and commitment in a monogamous relationship for life. Anything that breaks up this covenant will hurt you and cause pain in your relationship).

• Thou shalt not steal

(To take something that is not yours is to insult our relationship. You must trust that I will provide all of your needs. You are more valuable than the birds, and I provide for them as well).

• Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor

(Any good relationship is built on truth and trust. If you betray your conscience with lies against others then you will eventually hate yourself and become so used to lies that you deceive even yourself).

• Thou shalt not covet anything that is thy neighbors

(I am your provider, and your lust for things will get in the way of our relationship. Your flesh will never be happy, but if you let me nourish your soul, you will want for nothing and be satisfied).