“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
This is one of those verses that you see repeated in several places in Scripture—it’s that important. But when Jesus says it, shouldn’t we pay attention? When you think of these two commandments, you can’t help but realize that this world would sure look a lot different if everyone listened and followed.
Context (Mark 12:28-34): Jesus had just encountered questioning by the Sadducees about the resurrection. Then, a religious leader stepped out and asked Jesus directly about which commandment was the most important. Was it like a test? Our memory verse is Jesus’ response.
It’s like Jesus put an exclamation point on these two commandments. Jesus says emphatically that we “must love” God with our whole being. There is no wishy-washy, “when I get around to it” kind of attitude toward this command. We must love God. Period. Because I already love God myself, this commandment doesn’t seem that unreasonable.
But do I really love God with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength? That’s quite a commitment! I’m certain I fall short. This verse encourages us to try harder, to be more obedient, and to love God more deeply. We can do when we spend more time getting to know him. The answer always comes back to building a relationship with God.
In the Ten Commandments, God’s first words to us are, “You must not have any other god but me.” (Exodus 20:3) We tend to pack all sorts of things into our lives other than God. Sometimes those “things” become like “gods” to us because they drain us and take our focus off God.
Jesus takes it a step further when he affirms what Moses said in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” Moses told the people he was teaching this truth on God’s behalf. The same message rang out all those years earlier. How is it that we still struggle with loving God that much?
While our primary focus is to love and respect God, there is a second commandment Jesus says is “equally important.” He says “equally.” Our love should also be extended to our “neighbor.” The question has been asked, “Who is our neighbor?” The answer could be as simple as “Who are those people you encounter in your life?”
This verse also assumes that we love ourselves. I can remember plenty of times when I’ve been disappointed in a life choice I’ve made or not felt very lovable. But mainly, we humans are known to be quite selfish creatures. If we love others with the same intensity we love ourselves or want for ourselves, that’s what God is asking.
To have verses like this committed to memory, we can check ourselves and our actions against the two most important commandments Jesus shared with us. Yes, there are 10 Commandments and 600+ laws also contained in the Bible, but Jesus said these are the non-negotiable ones. I want to pay attention to that.
What are some ways you can deepen your love relationship with God? What are some ways you can show others more love than you already do? Think on these two questions today and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you some concrete suggestions.
Let’s pray. Most Holy and cherished God, I love you and am devoted to honoring you with my life. Forgive me for all the times I fall short, putting my own needs and agenda ahead of all else. Forgive me for avoiding situations where I can exhibit love for others I encounter. Stir up in me the desire to love as you love, with eyes to see people like you see them. I need your help and guidance, but I want to obey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.