The Greatest Is Love
BRD REFLECTIONS
Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)
(Eric Ang, Asst Treasurer, LCEC)
READ:
Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
How would you answer this question? More importantly, how would you comply?
Today’s BRD is a familiar passage with Jesus giving the Pharisee who asked the question a very clear and complete answer that is in 3 parts:
1) We are to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (v37).
2) The second is to “love your neighbour as yourself” (v39).
3) On these 2 commandments hang the Law and the Prophets (v40).
Jesus is telling us that the first commandment is the greatest and most important and the second is equally important. He went on to say that every command or law from God depends on these 2 commandments and is summed up in one word: “Love”.
Love fulfills the law (Rom 13:8-10). Love is indispensable because love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Cor 13:6-7).
There is no greater love than the love of God. In 1 John 3:16, “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” This is not easy as it requires us to be entirely selfless.
APPLY:
This Easter reminds me of the self-sacrificing love of Jesus. Because I am so dearly loved, I am to love Him with my entire being and only then will my love flow out and be manifested in the love for others.
By linking the second commandment with the first, Jesus is also telling me that I can’t love God with all my heart if I do not love my brother also (1 John 4:20-21).
So who are the neighbours I should love? Everyone. It covers all relationships (marriage, family, friendships) and includes the call to love the unloved just like the good Samaritan.
DO:
God’s love is so marvellous, so wonderful. I must glorify the love of God by doing the following:
1. Love God above all things.
2. Love one another as the Father loves me.
3. Be a blessing to someone today.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father,
I need Jesus to help me love You without reservation and to love others unselfishly. Help me to be a faithful and intentional disciple. Amen .
