Scripture: Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Devotional: A new year is upon us. And it’s always a great opportunity for self-examination. What were some of the greatest blessings in the past year? What would you want to do different as you move into 2024? Our devotions this week will center on asking yourself a series of questions around “one thing”, and today’s Scripture has the potential to have the most impact on your life when you start off each day with this purpose before you.
Love God. Love others.
That’s the nutshell into which Jesus summed up all the law and prophets. And it is the single-minded focus He left with His disciples.
Unfortunately, before our feet even hit the ground each day, we can easily become distracted from this purpose. Unfortunately, distraction keeps us from our devotion to God and His purpose for our life. But what if it could be different? What if you began each day acknowledging your love for God and asking Him to help you to love others, just as He has loved you?
In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “As I have loved you, so you should love one another.” It’s a simple concept, but one that takes incredible intention to live out. So, here’s a challenge for you: before you roll out of bed each and every day this year, express your love to God and ask Him to empower you to love others in the way He has loved you. That’s it. No doubt God will honor this prayer as you seek to make His love your “one thing”.
Reflect:
- Throughout the day, be mindful of this question: what does love require of you?