“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets depend on these two commands.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus’ command to love in such a dramatic way exposes something we’re often adept at hiding. How truly impossible it is for us to perfectly obey. Fortunately for us, Jesus understands the human condition better than anyone. Although the Law reveals our sin, He sees more deeply into the complexity of that sin—our hearts.
If we’re being completely transparent, we will admit that it doesn’t take much to become irritated, impatient, dismissive, and/or judgmental toward other people. If we could look at our hearts through the lens of the Word of God, we would see (and be appalled at) how unnatural it is for us to truly love the way the Lord commands.
We might be able to catch just a glimpse of our failure in this endeavor when faced with our personal triggers. A driver dawdling well below the speed limit, slowing the flow of traffic when we’re already running late. A critical remark made by someone we care about that nicks our pride. Disregard or unappreciation from those for whom we make sacrifices—our children, spouse, friends. Any of these scenarios may cause us to lash out in anger or seethe with bitterness.
Hate is such a strong word, and few of us would consider that there is anyone we detest. However, Jesus points out in Matthew 5:22, “But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire.”
If we struggle to love those who offend us, how can we love God?
The punishment for our sins is covered by the work of Jesus on the cross, but the presence of it and its consequences remain. It is much more natural to love ourselves and what the world has to offer than it is to truly love our God, the Creator and Giver of life and every good and perfect gift, and others.
“If anyone says, ‘I love God’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” 1 John 4:20.
When we consider the magnitude of what God calls us to, it seems impossible. Thankfully, our hope in this life is not found in our ability to love as we’re commanded; it is found in God’s ability to love us, regardless of our broken and imperfect state.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!” Ephesians 2:4-5.
Does that mean we shouldn’t continue to strive for holiness, as God is holy? Absolutely not. Every day we walk the earth is an opportunity to seek after spiritual maturity through prayer and meditation, studying the Word of God, and applying it to our lives. These disciplines will draw us into a closer relationship with the Lord, and we will be more aware of His holiness. We will be quicker to recognize our sinfulness, repent, and seek the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Him we have an abundant life. Praise God!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for holding us to a perfect standard and then covering us when we inevitably fail. Help us see others through Your perfect lens so we are better able to love as You command. And as we seek to love as Jesus does, may we be faithful witnesses of the gospel wherever we are.
Comments 2
This was in our Sunday school lesson yesterday. It amazes me when this happens. Thanks for reinforcement of these verses.
I also want to let you know I resonated with your comment at ECBC about being chubby child and how it helps you now keep your weight in check. My nickname was fatso. I have said they did me a favor. I eat much healthier than I would have otherwise.
God bless your ministry.
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I love how that happens, too. God is so good.
It was such a pleasure to be part of your church function.