Mark 12:28 CSB 28 One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which command is the most important of all?” 

Of the 613 commands in the Old Testament Scriptures (248 positive commands, 365 prohibitions), debate lingers as which were most important. Some rabbis said “Children obey your parents” was the most important command, while other rabbis focused on love for God. Now Jesus gets his shot to share His answer to the question, "which is the most important of all?” Jesus quotes from the Shema (meaning “hear/listen”), a scriptural prayer that faithful Jews offered up every morning and evening (a practice from at least the 2nd century BC). * 3 Shema passages are from Deut 6:4–9; 11:13–21; Num 15:37–41

Matthew 10:34–39 34 Don’t assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. [from Micah 7:6] 37 The one who loves a father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; the one who loves a son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of me will find it.

So, if it ever came down to it, who would you choose, parents, children, spouse, friends, your own desires, your own life…or would you choose Jesus? Does HE have your full allegiance?

Make an early appointment with God. Go to bed on time and get up to give God the 1st part of your day for at least 15 minutes.

Open the Scriptures and Pray. a) Read a chapter writing what you learn and questions you have. b) Consider writing down what you are thankful for, along with your prayer needs.

Pray & Obey throughout the day. Practice the Presence of God by praying and obeying Him at all times. Turn away from anything that tempts to take us away from him having first place in our lives.

This command from Leviticus 19:18, a neighbor only included other Jews living in the community - friends and family. But Jesus greatly expanded what it meant to love your neighbors when he was asked, “So, who is my neighbor?” Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-29), which included caring different ethnicities whom Jews were taught to despise. According to Jesus, a neighbor could be someone you’ve never met who has a need that you can now meet.

So, loving our neighbors includes LOVING PEOPLE ranging from our best friends to our most recent acquaintance. And then…there are our ENEMIES.

Matthew 5:43–48 43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

To love your enemies is to treat the PERSON with value, even if you don’t agree with their POSITIONS or views.

To love your enemies means to bless them, to treat them with kindness (as God does by sending rain to them) & pray for God’s goodness in their lives.  

How have you responded to your enemies? 

With unkind words or with kind words, harshness or love?

Did you pray for them before you responded with anger or berated them to others?

In this time of social distancing, we must be careful in how we use social media. Stand for TRUTH, but never without LOVE.