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.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments. -Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)
As I was reading these verses, I noticed the words “equally important.” It made think of the importance that our Savior put on loving others. We see it shown throughout scripture how He would go out of His way to meet the needs of others and to be in community with them.
So often I focus more so on the first commandment of loving the Lord and immersing myself in his Word yet I don’t put as much energy into the second commandment. I know I have been guilty of not loving others well; of putting myself ahead of others and at times just not being as willing to step out of my shell to meet the needs of someone else.
These verses are such a beautiful picture of the Gospel. A picture of loving God and equally loving all of His people unconditionally. Not just those who are easy to love but intentionally choosing to love everyone He places in our path.
Father, thank you for sending your Son to be a perfect example of how to love others. Please convict us in moments where we put ourselves before loving others. Constantly remind us of how much Jesus gave of Himself for other people. Show us how to love all of your people unconditionally.