The Greatest Commandment

Matthew 22:34-40   Hearing the Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.  One of them, an expert in the  law, tested him with this question, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?".  Jesus replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with allyour min.' This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it.  Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

I like to think that I am easy to get along with.  But, lately, I have questioned my likability.  I mean, when I really think about it, I can be quite the opposite.  Stubborn, opinionated, loud, judgmental, overbearing, bossy.  I could go on, but I would only be stating the obvious.  I appease myself by thinking of all the good qualities I also posses.  Kindness, generosity, compassion, love, eagerness, patience, and a few others.  So, in the end the good wins out, and I am again likable. 

Recent events in my life have led me to a new realization.  I'm easy to like, as long as we agree.  Not just me but everyone.  Think about it.  Look at your friends, people you admire or respect.  Don't you basically see eye to eye with them?  I'm not saying you have to agree with them 100%, but look at it from the other side.  How many people do you really like that have opinions completely different from your own? Maybe you can tolerate these people, maybe even admire and respect them, but like them?  Now think about the people you don't really  like.  Come on, I know you have some.  Why don't you like them?  Personally, My dislike of others can almost always be narrowed down to some difference of opinion.  Wouldn't you agree?  Sorry, I couldn't resist.  Maybe I disagree with the way this person treats others, or with decisions they make, or with their political or religious views. 

It's hard to like people you don't agree with.  It's often even harder to love those people you don't really like.  Well, it is for me anyways.  I often think about the Pharisees in Matt 22.   I don't think Jesus told them what they were wanting to hear.  They wanted to hear something "doable".  Like, don't murder or steal.  Nope, Jesus chose a toughy.  Love Him above all, and love your neighbor as yourself.  I've spent a lot of time wondering why.  Why is it so important to love EVERYONE?  The more I think about it, the more I realize it has nothing to do with us, and everything to do with Him.  It's not that hard for me not to kill another person.  I could probably refrain from doing that even without Jesus Christ.  But, loving my neighbor, that's different.  I can't do it.  Well, I can't do it in and of myself.  If I am going to love with the love of Christ, I have to love through the love of Christ. 

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35).

I have to remind myself often that God made man in his image.  Not just me.  Christ's blood was poured out for the love of all humanity.  Not just those who loved Him.  So, our love of others must reflect this love.  It's hard.  I struggle.  Man, do I ever struggle.  But, that's kind of the point.   When we are weak, He is strong.  Our inabilities  force us to depend upon his ability.  When we understand the reality of that, then we are able to love.  And love ushers in understanding and peace. 


“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)