Matthew 22:34-40
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘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. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Comments
Jesus simplified the multitude of laws with this summary known as “The Great Commandment,” but he didn’t make it particularly easy.
It is one thing to love God, but to do so fully with heart, soul and mind calls for a deep commitment, especially when we realize that “soul” refers to our lives and all that makes us who we are.
Likewise, to love our neighbor as ourselves sets the bar high. Some of us might not like ourselves as much as we should, but even self-loathing is just another form of self-centeredness.
Reflections
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the level of your love for God? On the same scale, how would you rate your love of neighbor?
How open are you to growing in both of these areas? Are you willing to commit some time and energy to the process?
Prayer
As I go through this day, Lord, help me grasp what it would mean to love you and love my neighbor in the extreme way you invite me and challenge me to do.
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