The Prophets and the Teachings of Jesus: Just one word — love
Deuteronomy 6:4–5 • Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
Leviticus 19:18 • You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
Luke 10:25–28 • Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
Throughout the teachings of Scripture, the command to love is first and foremost. We love God because God first loved us. It’s simple — love God, love others, love yourself. Do this and you will have life and have it more abundantly.
Lord, help us to love you and to express that love daily. Amen.