What is the Most Important Commandment? (Matthew 22:34-40)

A Pharisee who was an expert in the law tested Jesus with a question. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment?" Jesus did not hesitate. He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it--Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets are based on these two commands" (Matthew 22:37-40).
Jesus did not say anything new. His message was and is always about loving God and loving others. He showed love and compassion for people when He healed their sickness  and answered their questions, even if they were meant to test Him. We have God's word and the Holy Spirit to teach us how to show love to others. Perhaps the most important way is to make ourselves available. In this hurry-up world, maybe that is the greatest challenge--to slow down enough to listen to someone's aching heart, to share a smile or give a helping hand, to visit someone in the hospital or even in prison. 

Think About It
The first four commandments are about loving God: Do not worship other gods. Do not make idols. Do not misuse God's name. Keep the Sabbath day holy. The last six commandments are about loving others: Honor your father and mother. Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not covet. God wrote these on tablets and gave them to Moses. This is the law the prophets taught from generation to generation.

Pray About It
Thank you, Lord, for your laws of love. Teach us how to love as you love. Empower us to slow down long enough to show some compassion. We cannot do it on our own. We need your help. We pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

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