> In the Gospels, Jesus Christ was asked by a teacher of the law, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” (Mark 12:28). Jesus’ response was clear and profound: “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 12:30-31). Loving God and our neighbor should characterize the way we live.
Love is the essence of the Christian Faith
These words from our Lord encapsulate the essence of the Christian faith and what it means to be a true follower of Christ. The greatest commandment is a call to love – to love God wholeheartedly and to love our fellow human beings as we love ourselves.
– Loving God with All Our Being
When Jesus speaks of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, He is calling us to a complete devotion and surrender to the Almighty. This love for God is not merely an emotional response or a superficial adherence to rules and regulations; it is a deep, all-encompassing commitment that permeates every aspect of our lives.
This comprehensive love demands that our hearts be fully aligned with the will of God, submitting our desires and ambitions to His divine purpose. Our souls must find their rest and satisfaction in Him alone, transcending the fleeting pleasures and distractions of the world. Our minds should be devoted to discerning His truth, renewing our thoughts through the wisdom of His Word. And our strength, every ounce of our energy and capability, must be directed towards serving Him with unwavering dedication.
In this total surrender, we experience the richness of a relationship with the Creator, which transforms our lives from the inside out. It is in this place of deep connection and obedience that we find true joy, peace, and fulfillment. This love is not passive or indifferent; it is active and fervent, compelling us to live out our faith in tangible ways.
“When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now.”
C.S. Lewis
– Loving our neighbors as ourselves
The second part of the greatest commandment, to love our neighbors as ourselves, is inextricably linked to the first. Our love for God must manifest itself in genuine love and compassion for others. This is not a superficial or conditional love, but a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the good of others, even at personal cost.
This love calls us to see the inherent dignity in every person, recognizing them as God’s creation, deserving of respect and kindness. It compels us to go beyond mere words or fleeting actions and to engage deeply with the lives of those around us, understanding their struggles, and offering support whenever needed. We are reminded that our acts of charity and kindness are not merely obligations, but opportunities to reflect the boundless love that God has shown us.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Mother Teresa
Obeying the Greatest Commandment
To obey the greatest commandment is to live a life of love – love for God and love for others. This is not merely a feeling or an emotion but a daily choice to put God first and to treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
Throughout the Scriptures, we are reminded of the importance of love. In 1 John 4:8, we read, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” And in 1 Corinthians 13:13, we are told, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
By obeying the greatest commandment, we not only honor God but also reflect His character to a world in desperate need of love and compassion. Let us strive to love God with all our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves, for in doing so, we fulfill the essence of Christ’s teachings and bring glory to His name.
For Further Study
Here are three books that can provide further insight and study into understanding and obeying God’s greatest commandment to love:
- “The Greatest Thing in the World” by Henry Drummond
This classic book is based on 1 Corinthians 13, the famous “love chapter” of the Bible. Drummond explores the importance of love and how it should be the central characteristic of a Christian’s life. With deep biblical insights and practical applications, this book offers a profound examination of what it truly means to love God and love others. (Take a peak) - “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan
In this passionate and challenging book, Francis Chan calls readers to live a life of radical love and devotion to God. He unpacks the biblical meaning of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and encourages readers to pursue an authentic, whole-hearted relationship with Christ. Chan also emphasizes the importance of loving others as a natural outflow of our love for God. (Learn More) - “The Incomparable Christ” by John Stott
While not specifically focused on the greatest commandment, this book by renowned theologian John Stott provides a comprehensive and insightful study of the life, teachings, and person of Jesus Christ. By deepening our understanding and appreciation of Christ, we are better equipped to love Him wholeheartedly and to love others as He loved us. (Learn more)
These books offer different perspectives and approaches to understanding and living out the greatest commandment. From theological explorations to practical applications, they can provide valuable insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to grow in their love for God and their love for others.
