A teacher of the Law ... came to him with a question: “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus replied: “The most important one is this, ‘The Lord your God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment more important than these two.” Mark 12: 28-31
God gave Moses Ten Commandments, and let's face it, we made a right mess of them. We've re-interpreted them, diluted them, justified breaking them to such an extent that they have become unrecognisable.
Jesus simplified matters for us. He said "Love God and love one another."
And we have ignored that simple rule as well. Today many do not even recognise God, let alone love Him. He is not taught about and introduced to our children. He is excluded from our families, homes, schools, institutions and even some churches. How can people possibly love Someone they don't even know?
As for loving one another as we love ourselves? Many people don't love themselves period. They find fault with their looks, their size, their accent, background, upbringing, education and so on. So many people living life not liking themselves and wishing they were someone else. No wonder so many live lives vicariously following their favourite celebrity "idol" on social media and trying to be the same.
Why can't we just be ourselves, and accept ourselves for what we are. God's creatures created by Him through love. There are no rejects on God's production line.
"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples," John 13:34-35
NOTE: This post is part of a series of articles entitled "What Jesus said about ..." If you click the label "What Jesus said" at the end of the article you'll be able to access all the articles.
ReplyDeleteIf there are any topics you would like discussed in this series please write to me by clicking the "Contact us" tab at the top right of this page.
I agree with everything you have written here Victor. Loving God and loving one another is a good thought to keep in our minds as we journey on in this world, a world where the speaking of God and our Lord Jesus is disappearing . God bless.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Brenda. God has been excluded from many places in today's modern world.
DeleteGod bless.
Victor sim nós ignoramos Jesus disse Amai a Deus e amai-vos uns aos outros, algo tão simples mas muitos não fazem, desejo uma ótima semana abraços.
ReplyDeleteTRANSLATION: Victor, we simply ignore Jesus, he said, "I love God and I love you some other years, something very simple but very simple, I don't do it, I wish you a great week, hugs."
DeleteThank you Lucimar da Silva Moreira. Many people ignore Jesus in their lives. This is very sad and tragic. God bless.
...love is the cornerstone of life.
ReplyDeleteAmen Tom. God bless.
DeleteI think a lot of people kind of dismiss the OT at times. I think the ten commandments still stand and the Golden Rule!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many people today can recite the Ten Commandments - or attempt to keep them.
DeleteGod bless you, Sandie. Thank you.
What part about 'love' don't we understand? Thank you for another profound message!
ReplyDeleteMany thanx.
DeleteLove, (to me), means caring. Some people are too busy to care. That's why the world is as it is today.
God bless you and your family, Mevely.
You're so right, Victor - they're not any rejections in God's production line. Let us love others as we know He loves us. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what would happen if we announced there would be a shortage of love? Like a shortage of salt, or foodstuff, or any other commodity. Would people stock up on love? Would they suddenly start contacting family and friends they have not spoken to for years? Try forgiveness and reconciliation? I wonder a lot these days.
DeleteGod bless you and yours, Martha.
Money seems like the modern god for people these days.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true. Money, power and influence are the new modern currency.
DeleteGod bless you always, Bill.
Victor, I enjoy your blog posts in this series, "What Jesus said about ..."
ReplyDeleteIt's good reading, thought-provoking, sometimes convicting, certainly worth the few minutes it takes to read.
Thank you for your kind words, Barbara. Much appreciated. The whole series of posts will be featured in my next book of devotions which is being written right now. Hopefully to be published in the near future.
DeleteGod bless you always.
Great post Victor, I agree!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, K. God bless you.
DeleteI do agree ...Love, (to me), means caring. Some people are too busy to care. That's why the world is as it is today.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you so much, Jan. God bless you, my friend.
DeleteQuerido Víctor, es un placer visitarte, es bellísima la serie esta de Jesús dijo.
ReplyDeleteJesús tiene que ser prioridad en nuestras vidas, el es amor.
Te dejo todo mi cariño y besos
♥️¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´♥️♥️.¸.•´♥️
TRANSLATION: Dear Victor, it is a pleasure to visit you, this series of Jesus said is beautiful.
DeleteJesus has to be a priority in our lives, he is love.
I send you all my love and kisses.
Thank you so much, Poemas del Alma for your kind words. I am glad you enjoy the series "What Jesus said about ..." I will publish them in a book.
God bless you.
We as the church need to do a better job of this, showing the world a different culture which will attract them, one where we do truly care for each other.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree, Mimi. Care for each other.
DeleteGod bless.