Monday 4 December, 2017

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard the Sadducees arguing. He noticed that Jesus had given the Sadducees a good answer. So he asked him, “Which is the most important of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus answered, “Here is the most important one. Moses said, ‘Israel, listen to me. The Lord is our God. The Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (Deuteronomy 6:4,5) 31 And here is the second one. ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ (Leviticus 19:18) There is no commandment more important than these.” 32 “You have spoken well, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one. There is no other God but him. 33 To love God with all your heart and mind and strength is very important. So is loving your neighbor as you love yourself. These things are more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 Jesus saw that the man had answered wisely. He said to him, “You are not far from God’s kingdom.” From then on, no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions.

This passage is foundational to how we are to live our lives. It says clearly in vs 30, that we are to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. This has led me to consider afresh what it means to do this in its entirety. To me, this means loving God with my thoughts, my actions… with every part of my being. God, in His perfection, is so worth all the love I have to give.

What challenges me most in this passage, is whether or not I can say that I love all those around. Humans are not perfect, and it can be hard to love when they come against us. However, verse 31 says that this is equally as important as loving God. I am reminded today to be aware of my neighbours and love them with the unconditional love that God has for me.

God, I thank You for the love that You have for me. Please help me to love You and love others the way that you call me to. In Jesus’ name.

Written by Laura Samperi