Occam’s Razor (a principle in philosophy) holds that with competing theories or explanations, the simpler one is to be preferred.
One of my favorite contemporary writers, Nassim Taleb, holds that Mathematics make complex problem simpler; economics makes simple problems complicated. To economists I add as do theologians and pastors.
My wife is reading a book I pulled from my library, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense, by NT Wright. He is an extraordinary scholar who can also write for us “plain folks.” But she had trouble getting into the book. (Her normal reading is novels.) Then, suddenly it clicked.
My point is that when you are reading the Bible or other spiritual writing (or anything for that matter) do not try to take the complicated path. If Jesus’ last command was to love one another, he meant, well, that we should love one another. Full stop (or period if you’re American).
Yes, Paul wrote much seemingly complicated prose describing what that meant. Don’t make it complicated. When you are faced with another person or a comment on social media, remember that Jesus said to love one another. Don’t make it hard. What does love require in that moment? Do it!
My point is that when you are reading the Bible or other spiritual writing (or anything for that matter) do not try to take the complicated path. If Jesus’ last command was to love one another, he meant, well, that we should love one another. Full stop (or period if you’re American).
Yes, Paul wrote much seemingly complicated prose describing what that meant. Don’t make it complicated. When you are faced with another person or a comment on social media, remember that Jesus said to love one another. Don’t make it hard. What does love require in that moment? Do it!
Faith Venture 
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