On this first day of September, I’m thinking about firsts.
The first blush of trees kissed by the first cool breeze of Autumn
The first day of school
The first smell of warm apple pie fresh from the oven
The first game of the football season
The first taste of harvest bounty
Most importantly, I am pondering the first and greatest commandment.
This is partly because Ann, over at Holy Experience, prompted a discussion on how we care for the least of these, and partly because God has had me thinking a lot lately about what it means to be neighborly.
Here is what Jesus told the Pharisee:
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘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.” Matthew 22: 36-40 NIV
We talk much about loving people but how does that play out in our everyday lives? In my everyday life?
It seems clear that the commandments to love God and love our neighbor are intertwined. And Jesus described how we are to do so – with great intensity.
Loving God with ALL our heart, soul and mind? Not hard to do considering how much He loves us.
Loving our neighbor (anyone we meet) as much as we love ourselves? This can be a tough one.
But I know that God does not require anything of us that He does not equip us to do. If we are willing, He will help us.
And so, I pray for strength from the only One who can give it, remembering…
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
In my willingness and His power working through me, maybe it is possible to:
Smile at someone who doesn’t smile back
Give to someone who doesn’t give in return
Pray for someone who needs it but doesn’t yet know to ask
And maybe it is possible for all of us to make loving a priority, moving it from the back of the line to the forefront of our minds. No longer an afterthought – not the last, but the first thing we think about.
The first thing, now that this truth has settled in our hearts – That whatever we do for another human being, we are doing for God.
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25: 37-40
Lord, please help me and all who read these words today to love as you have commanded. As leaves are surrendering to another autumn, let us be found falling on our knees in obedience to your word. Empower us to put love first in all things.