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Mark 12:28-34 NIV
The Greatest Commandment
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Why are these two commandments the greatest?
These two commandments are the greatest because they emphasize Love and unity as ultimate truths. These verses state unequivocally that there is only one God and if you truly love God love for your neighbor ( who is everyone ) flows from that love. God is the author of love.
Lord, I pray that I would love you with all my mind, all my strength, and all my heart daily so that I can love everyone you place before me. You have given your life for all out of your deep and unfailing love, teach me to see everyone as you see them. Erase any pride or lie in me so that I can be free to love. May your Holy Spirit guide and strengthen me to speak of you and your love and encourage anyone around me. Keep me close to your kingdom Lord. Amen
Today’s prayer was submitted by Jo Schneider