THE SECOND GREATEST COMMANDMENT

 Jesus closely tied together our love for God with the love we should have for others.

After referring to the first and greatest commandment, He said, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:39-40

When Jesus said we should love others, He was not referring to our feelings or emotions concerning other people but rather to our attitude to them or our will concerning them. It may not always be possible for us to like everyone. But no matter what our personal feelings may be toward others, when we genuinely love them, we will always seek what is truly best for them, never hold grudges against them, and never seek to repay evil for evil. (Read Romans 12:9-21.)

True Christian love for others is not “natural,” nor is it something we can manufacture or develop on our own. But when God’s love fills our own hearts, that love can flow through us to others—even if they are not very lovely or “lovable.” Throughout history there have been many marvelous examples of people who showed Christ-like love to very unlovable people—all of which demonstrate not the goodness of man but rather the reality and power of the love of GOD.

Scripture References

Jesus said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. . . . Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. . . . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-28, 35-36

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:11-12

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ

God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 4:32, Ephesians 5:1-216

“The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as

yourself.’” Galatians 5:14

Bless you.

Ref: Christian Leaders Institute.