The movie “City Slickers” popularized the concept that life can be defined by the “one thing.” The Bible more often speaks of two things. Jesus said, “Love God, love your neighbor” (Matt. 22:34, and parallels). John says the one who is of God practices righteousness and loves his brother (1 John 3:10). John adds that our love for God’s children is measured by our love for God and obedience to his commandments (1 John 5:2).
Today I am contemplating two things. What does it mean for me to love God and keep his commandments? What does it mean for me to love my neighbor?
Jesus told his disciples that the one who loves God obeys his commandments (John 14:15; 15:14). I cannot affirm that I love God without seeking his will. Loving God includes doing what is right.
Loving my neighbor sets a high standard. It is a lot easier to love one another than it is to love my neighbor. That his followers will love one another is described by Jesus as a way in which others can recognize his disciples (John 13:35), but not as a final or exclusive measurement. Loving my neighbor is more difficult than loving my brother because my neighbor is often anonymous, unknown, impersonal, out of sight, and at times even unloveable.
“Dear God, help me today to evaluate my life honestly as I seek your will in my life and as I love others. Show me your way, open my eyes to opportunities to love those about me, especially to opportunities to share the gospel as I seek to love the world as Jesus loved the world. You know that I live life imperfectly–strengthen me and forgive my blind spots. Forgive me when I fail to do what is right; help me set my heart on your will. Forgive me also when I do not live out my love for others. Help me today to become more like Jesus. Lead me this week with your presence and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”