The Most Important Commandment

Janice Kobb

“Which is the most important commandment?” Jesus is asked in this passage. His answer is: “Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is this:  Love your neighbor as yourself.”

So much of what we hear in songs and sermons says, “God loves me” and it’s true. One of the most quoted verses in scripture has to be John 3:16. And most people learn Jesus Loves Me (LSB 588) or God Loves Me Dearly (LSB 392) as toddlers. But, how do “I love God”?  For me, that answer lies in my faith/love response to God’s love for me. I believe that God is who He says that He is. I believe that God reveals Himself in the Scriptures and shows His love through the lives of those we read about in those Scriptures. I  believe that there is a standard for behavior that is revealed in the 10 Commandments, and that I should follow them as best I can. But, I can’t do this on my own. I am grateful that Jesus died on the cross and intercedes on my behalf with God, and forgives me when I fail and ask for forgiveness. So I commit my life, my time, my    talents to serve God.

My faith/love response is pretty useless though, without looking at Jesus’ second important commandment. My faith and love for God needs to show in the way I treat others: hopefully with kindness, respect and honesty. When I see someone in need and I am able to help, then I need to do so, whether that is here in this community or in reaching out in mission to those far away.

I end by sharing a newer hymn from 1969, “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love” (LSB 980) that has been meaningful to me over the years.  May this be today’s ending prayer.

(refrain)  Jesu, Jesu, Fill us with Your love,

Show us how to serve

The neighbors we have from You.

Kneels at the feet of His friends,

Silently washes their feet,

Master who pours out Himself for them.  (refrain)

Neighbors are wealthy and poor,

Varied in color and race;

Neighbors are nearby and far away.  (refrain)

These are the ones we will serve;

These are the ones we will love;

All these are neighbors to us and You.  (refrain)

Kneel at the feet of our friends,

Silently washing their feet:

This is the way we will live with You.  (refrain)     Amen.