What would it look like if love became the central foundation of everything we do? In a world often consumed by personal goals, ambitions, and desires, the concept of loving others as ourselves can feel challenging or even countercultural. Yet, when we look at the life of Jesus, we see that love is not just a suggestion—it is the very essence of His ministry and the heart of our calling as His followers.
In Matthew 22:35-40, Jesus is confronted with a question about the greatest commandment, and His response is profound. He places love—not just as a part of the law but as the essence of it. Jesus teaches that love should govern our hearts and guide our actions. As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to consider how deeply rooted love can transform our relationships with God and others.
Scriptural Reflection
Let’s turn to Matthew 22:35-40 (NASB):
“One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”
In this moment, Jesus is asked a question that many would consider an important theological debate: What is the greatest commandment? The lawyer, likely hoping to trap Jesus in His answer, seeks to test Him. However, Jesus answers with clarity and authority, revealing the heart of God’s law.
The greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is to love God with everything we have—our heart, soul, and mind. This love is all-encompassing, demanding our full devotion and attention. But Jesus does not stop there. He immediately links this love for God with the second greatest commandment: to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Notice how Jesus says that on these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets. He is making a profound statement: love is not just a component of the Christian faith, but the fulfillment of all God’s commands. Every other commandment, every instruction in the Law, can be understood and applied through the lens of love.
To love God and to love others is the foundation of all Christian living. Our ability to love deeply and sacrificially reflects our understanding of God's love for us. In essence, love is the key that unlocks the fullness of God’s will for our lives.
Practical Application
How can we practically live out this command to love God and love others in our daily lives? Jesus calls us to love with intentionality and with action, not just in our feelings. Here are a few actionable steps that can help us cultivate this deep love:
1. Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, and Mind: The first commandment calls us to love God with every part of who we are. This means our relationship with God must be central in our lives. Our love for God is not just about attending church or going through religious motions—it’s about engaging deeply with Him on a personal level, seeking Him in every area of our lives.
Practical Step: Dedicate intentional time each day to connect with God through prayer, worship, and the reading of His Word. The more we immerse ourselves in His presence, the more we will grow in love for Him. Reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life, and express gratitude for His love towards you.
Scenario Example: Set aside a few moments each morning to begin your day with a short prayer, asking God to guide you in loving Him more fully and to help you see His hand in your life. This simple act of starting your day in His presence will deepen your relationship with Him.
2. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself: The second commandment challenges us to extend love beyond our own lives. To love our neighbor as ourselves means to treat others with the same care, respect, and compassion that we desire for ourselves. This love is sacrificial, empathetic, and generous.
Practical Step: Take time to notice the needs of those around you—whether in your family, church community, or workplace—and look for opportunities to meet those needs. This could be through acts of service, offering a listening ear, or speaking words of encouragement.
Scenario Example: Perhaps you know a neighbor who has recently experienced loss or difficulty. A simple act of kindness, such as offering to help with grocery shopping or sending a heartfelt note, can make all the difference in their day and in their experience of God’s love through you.
3. Practice Love in Difficult Circumstances: Loving others can be especially challenging when we encounter difficult people or situations. However, Jesus calls us to love not just those who are easy to love, but even our enemies. Love, in its truest form, is tested in moments of hardship and disagreement.
Practical Step: When conflict arises, remember that your response can either build up or tear down relationships. Choose to respond with grace and patience, seeking reconciliation rather than division. Ask God to help you see others through His eyes and to extend love, even when it is difficult.
Scenario Example: If you have a difficult conversation with someone, instead of reacting in anger or frustration, pause and pray for God’s wisdom to speak with kindness. Responding in love, even when it’s hard, is a powerful witness to God’s transformative love.
Encouragement to Stay Rooted
As we practice loving God and loving others, it’s important to recognize that love is a choice that requires daily effort. There will be days when it feels hard, when we don’t feel “loving,” or when we feel misunderstood or unappreciated. However, we are not called to love based on feelings, but on God’s command. His love empowers us to love others beyond our own strength.
Remember that when we choose to love, we are participating in God’s divine work in the world. Our love is a reflection of His love for us, and as we grow deeper in His love, we will become more equipped to love others.
Stay rooted in the love of God, and allow that love to overflow into every interaction. Even on the tough days, trust that God’s love for you is unchanging, and His Spirit will strengthen you to love as He has loved us.
In Matthew 22:35-40, Jesus gives us the clear command to love God and love others. These two commands are not separate or optional; they are intricately tied together, forming the foundation of the Christian life. As we seek to live out this love, we will find that it transforms our hearts, our relationships, and our communities.
May we live out the greatest commandment each day, seeking to love with all our heart, soul, and mind, and extending that love to everyone we encounter. In doing so, we fulfill God’s call for our lives and reflect His love to the world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible love towards us. Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Fill us with the strength to love even when it is difficult, and give us the grace to serve others in Your name. May Your love be the foundation of everything we do, and may it flow through us to touch those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.