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Loving God, Loving Others Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 25, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus gives us the foundation of our faith and the key to living a life that honours God.
Loving God, Loving Others
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus gives us the foundation of our faith and the key to living a life that honours God:
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39, NLT)
At the heart of Christianity is love—love for God and love for others. Jesus didn’t present these as mere suggestions but as commandments that define our relationship with Him and those around us.
To love God with all our heart, soul, and mind means putting Him first in every area of our lives. It’s a love that goes beyond words; it shapes our priorities, our decisions, and our daily actions. It’s about worshipping Him not just on Sundays, but in every moment—choosing to live in a way that pleases Him.
But Jesus didn’t stop there. He made it clear that loving God also means loving others. True love for God is reflected in the way we treat people—our families, our friends, our colleagues, even those who are difficult to love.
Loving others means showing kindness, offering forgiveness, and extending grace. It means putting their needs ahead of our own and treating them with the same care and compassion we desire for ourselves.
This love isn’t based on feelings alone; it’s a decision to reflect God’s love in a world that so desperately needs it. It’s a love that speaks hope, acts in generosity, and seeks unity.
So today, take a moment to reflect: Are you loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind? And is that love evident in how you love those around you?
Let’s live out these greatest commandments, bringing glory to God and sharing His love with the world.