The Command To Love

The most important commandment is this: “Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these.

Mark 12:29-31

A MAN WAS IN NEED OF CLOTHES, especially coats and blankets for the winter. Another man saw the need and wanted to help. He sent word out to others for help. Many people responded by donating clothes, coats, and blankets for the needy man.

Another man was soon to be released from jail. Separated from his family, he needed a coat, a meal, a night’s lodging, and a bus ticket to return home to his parents. A Sunday school class provided the funds, and two men from the class picked the man up from jail, gave him a coat, took him out for dinner, got him to a hotel, and purchased a bus ticket for him. Both acts of generosity and service were examples of loving your neighbor as you would want to be loved. Even better, it’s what Jesus commands us to do.

With the words “as yourself,” Jesus is not advocating self-love; rather, He is showing us how to love others. We should love them as we would want to be loved. There are all kinds of ways that we can show love for others. Buy lunch for a single parent. Call a shut-in to encourage her and pray for her. Babysit for a neighbor. Pray for five people you know who are hurting. Volunteer in a community soup kitchen. Mentor a student or young man who could use some direction. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to the needs all around you.

BOTTOM LINE

What are some practical ways you can serve others the way you would want to be served? Ask God to give you ideas and a willing heart.

Moment of Strength: Matthew 7:12