Love God - Love People

Matthew 22:34-40
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘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. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

I love coffee in the mornings. I love a good sunset. I love a beautiful day on the lake or sitting on the beach. I love having my home full of people and laughter. I love the Varsity’s onion rings and frosted orange. I love my spouse and children. We live in a world where love is used in so many different ways. The world has distorted it’s definition, especially the agape love of God that we read about in scripture. 

Jesus had spent the day talking with Pharisees and Sadducees. They were looking for any loop hole for punishing Jesus. The Jews had 613 laws. Can you imagine trying to remember and follow them all? When Jesus was asked which ones were the most important by a lawyer, He first said Love Me. The simplicity of the Christian faith can be summed up in that one word: Love. 

The greatest commandment and desire of our God is for us to love Him.  God could have made us all like robots and programmed each of us to love him, but he didn’t. He gave us a choice to love him. He desires for us to pursue him with our actions, thoughts, and way of life.

Sometimes, it’s overwhelming the Father’s love for me. Many times I feel so undeserving but also humbled that Creator God would love me. Each time I step closer to understanding God’s love for me, I become more in awe of his loving-kindness and mercy that He gives so generously and continuously. I can’t help but love the Father in return.

Jesus said the second greatest commandment was to love your neighbor as yourself. 
Mother Teresa said, “When you know how much God is in love with you, then you can only live your life radiating that love.”  Do you radiate God’s love to others so they too can taste God’s transforming power?

There are so many things that distract us from our purpose and the literal command God has given us. When I get distracted, I take a step back and realign my priorities - Love God and Love His People. It is really that simple. When I’m not making this a part of my every day walk, and purpose, I’m missing the mark.

Do people around you know that your love for God is your priority. Is it seen in the way you interact, serve, work, and play? 

What are some practical ways today that you can love your neighbor because of the overflow of your love for God?

Pray today that we will get a glimpse of the depth, height, and width of God’s love for you. May our lives bear witness to the transformative power of love, drawing others closer to the heart of God.