Love God – Love Others
I grew up hearing about God’s love. At church we sang songs about God’s love. I heard stories from the Bible about God’s love. I remember accepting God’s love in third grade. I went from wanting to be a fireman to wanting to be a preacher. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to serve in full-time ministry for 20 years. Now, as a REALTOR, I can still serve others and minister to them as they walk through one of the biggest transitions, and it’s often complicated.
Jesus was questioned extensively by the religious leaders of His day. They were trying to trip Him up. They thought He was like every other “street preacher”. They soon learned that He was way different – in a good way. Check this out….
34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40 NLT)
Jesus took the 10 Commandments and condensed them down to two. Commandments 1-3 are summarized by “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind”. Commandments 4-10 is summarized by, “Love your neighbor as yourself”.
Jesus’ response blew them away. I love the clarity of His response.
When I wake up each morning, I should try to do two things – Love God & Love others. God is so honored when I love others because of my love for Him. I love because He loved me first. These are my daily “marching orders” as a Christ follower.
Pressing On!
Dwayne