Question: Which is the greatest commandment?

Answer: Jesus said: ”… you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There are no other commandments greater than these.” (Mark 12: 30-31 NKJV)

So, based on these commandments, how should Believers live to please Jesus? Start with asking yourself, “Do I truly love the LORD?” Usually, what we truly love, we prioritize in our lives. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”(John 14:15) Ask yourself, “Is it my priority to follow God’s word in every aspect of my life? Am I truly putting God first?”

If your answer is yes – and if you are a Believer, your answer should be yes – how are you showing your love for Jesus? For example, are you reading His word to know what He has to say to you? Throughout the Bible, from the beginning in Genesis to the end of Revelation, you learn what God has to say about how He wants us to live to please Him. Believers, remember that we are to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) This is what the Apostle Paul told Timothy to teach the people of his day, and studying God’s word is what we should do as well.

Also, are you seeking the help of God’s Holy Spirit to guide you in your daily decision-making? Or, do you make decisions based only on what pleases you- even if it goes against the directions of God and supports sin? If so, you need to repent of your sins, ask forgiveness, and do what God says is right.

The Apostle Paul warns the Galatians to, “…Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 NKJV) Paul goes on to list examples of the works of the flesh versus the “fruit of the Spirit.” (Read Galatians 5:19-26)

And, what about loving your neighbor as yourself? Are you showing love to others like God would want you to? For example, do you look down on or dislike people who are a different race than you, or who are poor, or who are rich, or who have little education? If so, this is not showing love for one another. You need to repent and ask forgiveness of these sins.

You should seek ways you can show the love of Christ to others. For example, you could help out those in need and “…through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). In your dealings with others, remember to treat them with fairness, kindness, and respect. But, you should show others love without tolerating their sin. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” (Romans12:9) And remember to pray for one another!

Even though we all fall short in showing the love of Christ sometimes, know that God still loves us. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Loving God and loving your neighbor. So, how are you doing with following these commandments?

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