The Greatest of These

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.” (Matt 22:35-39)

Loving God, and loving neighbor. It's simple, but it's not necessarily easy; even though God has already shown us, through Jesus, what it means to love.

13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)

So what does it mean to love God? How do we lay down our lives for God and for each other?

If keeping God's commands means loving others, then there must be action - not just words or a feeling.

35 "'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’" 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"(Matt. 25:35-36, 40)

3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3)

God's commands are not burdensome when viewed from a perspective of gratitude rather than expectation. How much would you give to know that your biggest failures are forgiven? Without giving anything, in the name of Jesus, we are forgiven. If, in thanksgiving for God's grace, we extend that same grace to others, we are laying down our lives.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:4-8a)

God loves us this completely. In gratitude we must go, and do likewise.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:13)