Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:36-38
The question was asked of Jesus, "What is the greatest commandment?" and the answer was to love God with everything that we are.
Our love in action, does not exclude our human nature of having feelings, thoughts, and actions.
It simply requires us to submit all of them to God.
This truth causes us to evaluate our heart, in our declaration of "God, I love you!"
“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.
John 14:15
The greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart (our feelings), soul (what we will to do), and mind (how we think).
In our love for God, we are to affectionately reverence Him in all that we feel, do, and think; and then obey quickly.
We may feel angry, but in our love for God we will declare:
"God, in my love for you, I choose to reverence you in how I feel."
"Your Word says:"
If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly;
Ephesians 4:26
"I will obey quickly. I will feel how I feel and let it go."
We may want to do to them what they did to us, but in our love for God we will declare:
"God, in my love for you, I choose to reverence you in my actions."
"Your Word says:"
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “ I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
Romans 12:19
"I will obey quickly. I will be still and let you handle it."
When there is negativity in our thought patterns, our love for God will cause us to declare:
"God I choose to reverence you in my thoughts."
"Your Word says:"
Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
Philippians 4:8
"I will obey quickly. I will fix my thoughts on the truth of your Word."
Loving God with how we feel, what we do, and how we think, is the greatest commandment.
To fulfill this commandment, our love will require great action and focused intention.
Regardless of the cost, it is worth it, because He loved us first.
God demonstrated His love by giving His son.
Jesus demonstrated His love by giving His life.
In response to the opportunity to be in right relationship with God, reverence and obedience is the very least we can do.
He's so worthy!
For Reflection:
Do I love God with all my heart, soul, and mind?
What opportunities are present for me to demonstrate my love with my feelings, thoughts, and actions?
Scriptures:
Matthew 22: 36-38
John 14:15
Ephesians 4:26
Romans 12:19
Philippians 4:8
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