"And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." - Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT
The atmosphere was thick with tension as Jesus had just confronted a group of religious leaders, even telling them they didn’t know the Scriptures. Imagine someone saying that to a room full of pastors! Not to be outdone, one of the other religious groups sent one of their experts in Old Testament law to ask Jesus, “which is the greatest commandment in the law?”
Curiosity was high as this expert in the law asked the Son of God which commandment was the most important. It’s like if you had a mentor who had guided you through life, and they turned to you and said, “of all the things I’ve shared with you, this is the most important.” That moment would be powerful, wouldn’t it? Jesus’ response to the question was simple but profound. He said to “love the Lord your God with all.” With all!
Today, many people quickly focus on the second command Jesus mentioned, “love your neighbor” because it’s often easier to talk about. But it’s crucial to understand that the first commandment is the foundation. It’s like the funny rule you might see on t-shirts or coffee mugs. “Rule No. 1 – I am always right; Rule No. 2 – If I’m ever wrong, refer to rule No. 1.” In other words, rule number one is the most important, and it deeply affects rule number two.
When the Bible says, "love the Lord with all," there’s no room for anything or anyone else. It’s like when someone says, “I love you with all my heart.” They’re saying, “You’re my one and only.”
If we’re called to love God with all, how can we also love others? The reason is that loving God with all allows us to love others more deeply. If we find it hard to love our neighbors (rule number two), we should remember rule number one: love God with all.
HIGHLIGHTED QUOTE: "When the Bible says, "love the Lord with all," there is no room for anyone else."
TIP OF THE DAY: “Begin each day by consciously dedicating your heart, soul, and strength to loving God with all you have. As you immerse yourself in His love, you'll find the capacity to love others deepening in a more profound, godly, and unconditional way.”
TALKING TO GOD: Dear God, empower me to love You with all my heart, soul, and strength. In moments of struggle with loving others, may the depth of my love for You guide and overflow, enabling me to love others more profoundly and godly. In Jesus' name, amen.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
- Where do you usually find hope and security?
- How might relying on God's unchanging love impact your response to challenges?
- Can you recall times when leaning on God's love strengthened your soul during difficulties?
