Sharing The Love Of God
“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 all your mind.’
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.”
- Matthew 22:36-40
It’s February. We associate this month with many things like African American History and U.S. Presidents. For many, the first thing that comes to mind is Valentine’s Day. Stores already have hearts, flowers, and candy in front of us to help everyone prepare for the next big holiday on the calendar. It’s important to take time to celebrate our spouses and romantic partners. However, with so much talk of love in the air, let’s be sure not to forget that love is much bigger than that in the eyes of God.
When disciples of Jesus think of love, we should remember that our Lord commands us to love all God’s children. Christ points to two commandments as the greatest, and each directs us to love. On the night he gives himself up for us, Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. The people of God can never limit our thinking of love to just the romantic.
1 John 4:19-21 says, “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
We all claim the love and grace that God has freely given us. This month let’s be intentional about showing love, especially to those who may be experiencing very little of it. Remember, neighbors who may live alone, those who may be struggling with difficult life circumstances, people who are most in need. Help them know that the love of God is alive and real in God’s people.
Pastor Scott Johnson
