Onward Christian Soldiers

Matthew 22:37-40 (CSB)
He said to him, “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 the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

This scripture was Jesus’ reply to a Pharisee, who was testing Jesus.  He asked Jesus which commandment in the law is the greatest.  Jesus’ reply stated the two most important commands of God.  First you must love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and be totally committed to God.  Next you must love your neighbour as yourself.  Neighbour means everyone.  You should show the same respect to others, as you would expect others to show respect to you.  When Jesus talks about all the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands, He means that the rules, prophecy and moral guidelines in the Old Testament of the Bible show us what it is like to love God and our neighbours.  To truly love God, you have to treat others well too.  Jesus came to serve others and not for others to serve Him.  We have to follow Jesus’ example and show love and kindness to others.

Dear God,
We pray for people who are full of hatred and those who want to harm others.  We pray that they come to the truth of Your Word and have a change of heart and show love and kindness to others.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.