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DAY 16 | MATTHEW 22

Matthew 22:34 But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him: 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.” 


In this particular context, those around Jesus were questioning Him about various situations dealing with government, marriage, religion, and law. Yet what I find so inspiring is His immediate and pointed response, which simply put is, “Love God, love others”. This was not a diplomatic aversion to actually answering the questions that were being brought before Him. Instead, Jesus proves that it really isn’t as complicated as we try to make it when we give rank to certain sins, people, and commandments over others. Instead, this simple command (when done correctly) will effectively fulfill the whole purpose of the Law and the writings of the Prophets as people are reconciled to God and to one another. 


If we are being honest with ourselves, this passage is easy to read and comprehend. However, it’s the action of loving God and loving others that’s the real struggle. Love should drive everything we do. It’s about relationships, not religious rules. It means choosing to love everyone, even the proud, the loud, the different, and the difficult. When we love God deeply, it naturally flows into how we treat those around us. (Matthew 25:31-46 and Luke 10) That’s why our mission at GO Church is to “Love anyone from anywhere into a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” 


As you reflect on your actions, consider these questions: 


  1. If we’re called to love our neighbor as ourselves, think back to times when you may have acted unkindly towards others. How were you feeling about yourself during those moments? 

  2. How does loving your neighbor connect with loving God first? What are some ways you can show love to those around you?


Kaci Davis

GO Kids Coordinator (South Metro ATL)

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2 comentários


Convidado:
16 de jan.

Thank you P. Kaci for this reminder that the justification we seek for our behavior when someone hurts us is never justified by God. He'll never respond with "It's okay, I understand why you acted out in that situation"; instead He says, "I am your strength and shield when you need Me most." Although He understands our pain, He never excuses our sinful response to an offense, As I considered your questions, I was also compelled to ask God for a more tender heart, more humility, more grace and a lot more mercy to give to other so that I learn to love like He does. 💚

Curtir
Kaci Davis
16 de jan.
Respondendo a

Thank you for sharing! 🙏

& thank you Lord for mercy, grace, forgiveness, and never ending love!

Curtir

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