Which commandment is most important? That’s what the religious leaders asked Jesus over 2000 years ago.
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” (Mark 12:28)
This Sunday, Pastor Eric led us through Jesus’ answer to this question.
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12-29-31)
Love God and love your neighbor. It sounds so simple. So why is it so difficult?
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Two thousand years later. I’m still asking the same question. Except it sounds a bit different in my modern day, complicated world.
I can’t do it all God, so you’re just going to have to help me prioritize. What’s most important?
- Being faithful to my spouse and children?
- Being honest in my daily work?
- Serving the poor and disadvantaged?
- Giving my money (or my time)?
- Taking time to rest and worship?
It’s about love.
A love that gets me out of bed in the morning. A love that fills my empty heart during quiet moments. A love that gives me peace as I lay my head to rest, not knowing what tomorrow will bring.
I’d rather live for love than a list. Lists weight us down. Love fills us up.
How about you?
7 comments:
Love this, and so glad to find your blog. Yea, I agree, if love was the "greatest" comandment, it must be pretty important!!! Live for love, I love that!
It's so true, Susan-- what a great reminder. It gets so crazy trying to be all and do all. The bottom line is love.
Have a good day!
Lists weigh us down. Love fills us up. So true. It's less about doing and more about being in relationship with God and others.
You nailed it with this one, Susan. The whole point, I think, is that we can't do it all and we can't do it alone. That's why God give us his good grace.
Nicely done...and thanks for linking up!
I am sooo grateful that Jesus fulfilled all of the commandments so I we don't have to. I am by nature a list keeper/rule follower so it easy to try to keep rules but Jesus turned all that upside down didn't He? relief...yes..me too...live for love and not lists:)
xo
I agree -- I'd rather live for love! This verse is the foundation of my new nonfiction concept, Susan...
Oh, Susan. This is good. This is exactly what Playdates is all about: inviting God into every moment. I'm so glad you linked up today! And I can't believe I won the book! I never win! (Does everyone say that?) I'll send you my address ASAP.
Thank you!
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