Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from Matthew 22: 34-40. The second commandment from God is as important as the first. All the laws are nothing without the first two. Love God and others with all your heart, mind, and soul!
“34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
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The fifth command in the law of Moses is “You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13. Murdering someone is a fruit of your distrust and hatred towards that person. Love seeks to serve, protect, and benefit the recipient. So loving someone and murdering them can not go hand in hand.
The law was a list of things not to do. Jesus came to show us what to focus our minds and hearts on. He showed us that loving all those around you, truly loving them is what was important.
Jesus left us with the Holy Spirit when He ascended to Heaven. The fruit of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Goodness, and self-control. The Holy Spirit will provide us with the antidote to the natural desires of the flesh. God’s presence in our lives will exude actions that will help you to avoid the shortcomings of the law.
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you, God, for sending the Holy Spirit. His empowerment gives me the ability to love those around me and overcome the desires of my flesh. Help me today to love those around me, for this I know will solve so many other challenges.
In Jesus name
Amen