Mark 12:28-34
“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, ‘of all the commandments, which is the most important?’ “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “ You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.” Mark 12:28-34 (NIV)
So I remember when we were living in Michigan. My husband traveled a fair amount and I was home with three kids, often by myself. I wasn’t very good at getting a babysitter. But one day a friend of mine convinced me to use her teenage daughter so I could get some much needed “me” time. Even the overnight snowstorm wasn’t going to alter my plans. As I was backing out of the driveway, I noticed our elderly neighbor (who I didn’t really know well because he wasn’t outside much) was fussing with his snowblower. The snowblower was clearly winning this battle.
As I pulled out of the driveway and down the street, I felt this tug at my heart (maybe it was guilt) that I should go help. As much as I wanted to do some shopping, I turned around and asked him if he needed some help. I have to admit I was frustrated inside. I was also hoping this wouldn’t take long. He already had a shovel so I grabbed another one. It took him by surprise and he didn’t say much. As we quietly worked to scoop his driveway (and me feeling agitated that I’m now spending money on a sitter to shovel snow) I realized the tug at my heart earlier wasn’t by chance. Because loving God doesn’t look like a shopping trip that afternoon. It looked like stepping out into the cold, choosing inconvenience, and seeing someone else’s need as just as important as my own. The heart of faith isn’t complicated. Love God fully. Love people genuinely.
Questions for Reflection:
- What does this passage reveal about what God values most?
- What would your life look like if you truly lived out these two commandments consistently? What part of these commands are the most difficult for you right now?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me a nudge that day to love my neighbor. It is not always easy for us to think outside of ourselves. But in order for us to fully love you, we must also love our neighbor. You have shown us the way and we must follow. As hard as it is sometimes, I will continue to look for ways to help others and therefore strengthen my relationship with you. Amen.
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