Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 22:34-40.
Some of you have heard me point to this passage before as being the basis for my “elevator speech” about what it means to be the people of Christ: “Love God and love people.” Jesus was asked to tell what the most important commandment in all the Scriptures was (at that time what we know as the Old Testament). He quoted the commandment to, in summary, love God with everything you are. But he also added another commandment alongside it, to love one’s neighbor as you love yourself. For me, any foundational teachings from the New Testament have to include this summary passage.
Of course, as with all of our other beliefs, it is so important that this be more than just something we affirm in our mind. Our constant challenge is learning to live this in our everyday life - both parts of it. Our love for God is something that should be growing in us day by day and year by year. Do you have a deeper love for God, a deeper commitment to God, than you had a year or five years or ten years ago? How would you describe that? Also, how about your love for other people? Can you say that is growing in you? From my experience, this part of the equation is harder to let grow and deepen. People can be hard to love sometimes. It’s easy to get frustrated, or even angry, with them. Too often, we are satisfied with just tolerating people, rather than learning to love them. How are you doing with this fundamental part of being a follower of Jesus Christ?
Personal Worship Option:
Be reminded today that none of us can live these commandments on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to both empower and guide us in this Way. Offer a prayer, opening yourself to more fully allow this Spirit to teach you this Way of Christ.
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