Matthew 22:34-40
The Greatest Commandment
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Jesus tells us that in this life we will have troubles (John16:33)...It's like we are running in a marathon and our legs are about to give out...But then I remember what Isaiah said, "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength...They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31)...That gives me a boost of energy, and teaches me there is something stronger than the troubles in this life...And I remember Paul teaching me that "I can do all this through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13)...It's not about my strength, but His...So I need to be strong and courageous...And not be afraid or terrified of those who want to do me harm, for the LORD our God goes with us; He will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6)...It's like He's always got my back...And so the LOD is my light and my salvation—then whom shall I fear?...The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)...He' is My Protector, my safe place...And I pray, may the God of Hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13)...I need that type of overflowing hope!...
When I need encouragement, Jeremiah 29:11 tells me: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”...It's such a comfort to know He has a plan, even when I don't see it...And Hebrews 11:1 reminds me, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."...It's about trusting our Father even when I can't see the whole picture or even when I have trouble seeing only part of the picture...And Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose."...Even our troubles, struggles, and sufferings in our lives have a purpose...
We know it is not just about trying to get through a difficult situation and toughening up and bearing the pain...It's about love...It's about choosing love even when I'm hurting, even when the world feels like it's falling apart and one feels all alone...It's about remembering that God is LOVE (1 John 4:8)...And because He LOVES us...I can love others, when I find it difficult and even trying my best to love even my enemies, because that's what He asks of me...
Paul wants us to know how important love is in our lives...1 Corinthians 13:4-8a: "Love is patient, love is kind...It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud...It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs...Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth...It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres...Love never fails."...That's the kind of love I want to have...John 3:16: For God so LOVES the world that He would give His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have Eternal Life."...That maybe the most important part of life...And 1 John 4:19 adds, "We love because He first LOVED us."...His LOVE makes it possible for me to love myself and others...Because I want to treat others as I treat myself...And finally, Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches us even more important about love, and its importance from His Perspective: “‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’...This is the first and greatest commandment...And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’...All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”...Love God, love others...That is what life is all about...That's what help gets us through life...Love is Jesus' answer for what is life...And we know that His Father is LOVE...