In part two of this series, I discussed the procedure for love and loving where it was revealed that it is not possible to love others without loving your Creator first with all your being, heart, soul, mind, and strength.

In this part of the series, I want to share with you a vital part of the procedure for love and loving. There is a standard to measure love and loving. It is a very clear standard measure that is very clear to anyone.
A Standard Measure.
In discussing the procedure for love and loving in part two, reference was made to Mark chapter 12:30-31. It was in verse 30 that you are instructed to love your Creator with the whole of your being.

The Standard Measure to use in love and love is contained in verse 31 thus,
"[31]The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12.
The extent to which you can love others (your neighbor) is that which you love yourself. Meaning that as soon as you are sure of loving your Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, the immediate action to take is to love yourself without any reservations.

Why should you love yourself?
You were created in the image and likeness of God. So, you need to love yourself as you are loved by the Lord your God Who created you as Himself. It will take loving yourself to maintain that status forever. It is only by loving yourself that you can remain in Him and by that, you will not abuse the privileges given to you by Him.
Another reason you should love yourself is that t is the standard by which you can love your neighbors. It is the yardstick to measure your love for others. You are not to love others less than you love yourself. When this happens, selfishness has set in; and this is not of God. It is the same percentage that you love yourself that you must love others. It must not be less than that.

Jesus Christ puts it this way,
[12]“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." Matthew 7.
Love is fulfilled in this simple statement. What you want others to do to you should you do to others. ?hat you will not want anybody to do to you must not come to others from you.

If you do not want to be cheated, you should not cheat others. If you will not want to be deceived, you must not deceive others. If you will not want anybody to covet what you possess, should you covet what other people possess? No! Give to others what you hope to receive from them.

This was the undoing of Cain, the older brother of Abel. He watched what he did to his brother, Abel. What was it? He killed him. When asked about the whereabouts of his brother from him, his answer was he was not his brother's keeper. Yet, he wanted someone to be his keeper so that he will not be killed as he killed Abel. He said  after his punishment was declared to him by God,
"[14]You have banished me from the land and four presence; you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!”
[15]The Lord replied, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him." Genesis 4.

A murderer did not want to be murdered. A fraudster does not want to be defrauded. A cheat does not want to be cheated.

Think about it yourself, do you want from others what you plan to do to them. ?t is a peak of demonstration of love. Do to others what you expect others to do unto you.

Are you looking for love and loving (lovers)? Are you one yourself? Let love and loving begin with you. The world will become a better place. Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord.

The Author is the set man of CTFM(WORLD OUTREACH)and Presiding Pastor of Christ Restland Gospel Church.He is a Poet and author of many books. Visit his blogsites www.4thlink.wordpress.com and www.peacelink.wordpress.com for more quality contents.