Obeying the greatest commandment

Obeying the greatest commandment.

Jesus when asked,

“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.

We must also love our enemy. Jesus stating,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  

And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Matthew 5:43-47.

So just what is Christian love? The apostle Paul writes,

"Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast,

 it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

So if you consider yourself to be a Christian are following the greatest commandment?

Please think about it.

Washing feet

 Washing feet

In the book of Mark we read,

"They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?"  

But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Mark 9:33-35.

Within the church its easy to want to be in high profile ministries, pastors, evangelist, teachers. It’s not as easy to be the person who takes out the garbage, or clean toilets. Yet they are essential to the running of a church.

In my youth I worked for a large institution that had around a hundred fifty cleaners. Each cleaner had an area to clean each night with the exception of the washrooms. That was generally the job of one or two individuals. It was also the job of the newest person hired. And there was a reason. 

It was found that if a person could do the job well and last the probation period. A period of usually 12 weeks. They turned out to be good employees. They were good servants if you will.

The apostle John records this story about Jesus serving His disciples. John writes,

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;  so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." John 13:3-5.

Would you be willing to wash the feet of those in your church circle?

Please think about it.

The Teacher said,

 The Teacher said,

Jesus when asked,

"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.

So my question to you, if you consider yourself a Christian; Do you love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?

Please think about it.

You and Love

You and Love
The apostle John writes,
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16.
You cannot be a believer in Christ Jesus and not love. It’s that simple. As for what constitutes God’s love the apostle Paul defines it this way, saying,

"Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, 

it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love."  

                                                             1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

The apostle Paul states,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.  
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:9-18.
These words are not mine they are directly from the New Testament scriptures. Words everyone who claims to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus should be putting into action in their lives.
So my question to you is, do you truly love?
Please think about it.