Things That Matter Most

In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus re-emphasized what was repeatedly written in the Old Testament:

“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

It is obvious that these are the most important of all commandments. And, as Jesus emphasized, all the Law and all that the Prophets have these two most important commandments as their foundation. It helps of course to have details and examples on how to accomplish these two commandments “that matter most.”

Our love of God must be sincere, not in word and tongue only. Not only should our love of affection be given to God, but also all the powers of the soul and mind must be engaged for him and ever ready to hear and carry out His commandments. Likewise to love our neighbour as ourselves, is the second great commandment.

There is a selfishness (or self-love) which is corrupt, and the root of many sins – it must be put off and mortified. But there is a self-love that is proper – as we must have a due concern for the welfare of our own souls and bodies. Also it helps in understanding what others need. And so we must love our neighbour as truly and sincerely as we love ourselves. In many cases we must deny ourselves for the good of others. By these two commandments – if followed will mature you into what God wants you to be.