“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12, ESV
Kindness and mercy are definitely important, but we should not forget grace and forgiveness as well as sharing God’s Word with all people. There is nothing more loving than pointing each other to God.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13, ESV
The greatest gift God gives us is Himself. The greatest gift we can give others is the Gospel, the good news that they can be saved from their sins and receive God Himself.
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 22:37-39, ESV
How do we live God and obey His commandments? We love others.
How do we love others? We obey God’s commandments and seek God above all else.
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39, ESV
Love God. Love people. The best way to do both is to fulfill the Great Commission: make disciples who love God.
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart Psalm 119:2, ESV
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14, ESV
Loving others includes helping in times of need; sacrificing time, money, energy, and comfort; leading from sin to repentance and Christ; and merely being present and attentive.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!