The Greatest Commandment

Today’s reading is out of Mark 12:28-31. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.

The dictionary defines the word “priority” as “something that is very important and must be dealt with before other things.” Think of a priority as something that must be given special attention. Jesus lays out a top priority to guide us in cultivating life giving and authentic accountability relationships. This top priority is what Jesus called “The Greatest Commandment.” Let’s look at what Jesus said and reflect on it below.

Mark 12:28-31 28 One of the teachers of the law cameand heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Reflect

1. Read Mark 12:28-31 several times. As you reflect on it, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you. What’s one word that stands out to you?
2. According to verse 30, how are we to love God? What does it look like to love God this way?
3. In verses 30-31, Jesus tells us to love God, our neighbor and ourselves. Which of the three is easiest for you to love? Which is the hardest? Why?
4. Think about your life before Jesus. What were some of the ways you were hard to love? How does that empower you to love people who are challenging in your life today?

Act

Find one way to love and bless a co-worker, classmate, or family member this week.

Pray

Heavenly Father, reveal to us the things that hold us back from loving You and others more. Show us ways that we can serve and bless those around us. And give us the patience to love those whom we find difficult to love. Amen.