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WHAT’S LOVE GO TO DO WITH IT?

 "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?"   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 neighbor as yourself.'  All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." – Matthew 22:36-40 (NLT)

      The religious leaders asked Jesus a great question. It was along the lines of “How much can I do for God?” rather than, “How little can I get by with and still be considered a believer?” The answer is a much needed simplification and overview of the Law – “Love God, and love others.” The entire Bible rests on these two foundational commands. If these are not followed, trying to observe the rest would be a total waste of time.

        When it comes to being a disciple of Jesus Christ, love has everything to do with it. In the Kingdom of Christ love comes first, and actions that demonstrate that love follow. If I love God I will obey Him. If I love others I will serve them. The adherence to a system of rules and regulations becomes unimportant and unnecessary when I am following the first and foremost command to love. It is not that the rules have ceased to exist, but by the very act of loving, obedience to those rules becomes second nature.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Lord, I dedicate myself to loving you and loving my neighbor. Teach me how.