“Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”” – Mark 12:29-31
We need these truths today and every day. Read them and repeat them often. The Lord is one, undivided, and almighty. Love Him with every part of your being. Love every neighbor as yourself.
We need these truths in a year in which politics threaten to divide us from our neighbors: family members, church members, and community members. As the people of God, never let earthly politics rip apart the heart of love and care we are commanded to show everyone. Rather than lamenting, “I don’t understand how X could vote for Y”, commit to love your neighbor as yourself. Period.
We need these truths in a year in which a new virus is likely to stoke fear, anxiety, selfishness, panic, and suffering. The Lord is one, He is all-powerful, He is in control of this world. Turn your fears over to Him in prayer. Love Him with every bit of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let your love for Him crowd out your fear. Then love your neighbor in need as yourself.