Matthew 22:36-39 - "Love God + Neighbors"
September 10, 2017 • Bruce Zachary
In Matt. 22:36-39, Jesus distilled all the commandments to their essence: love God supremely and love your neighbor as you love yourself. These are the Great Commandments. Although I did seek to love my family, friends, co-workers, and those I pastored, I neglected loving my neighbors where I lived. When I realized that I didn’t love my neighbors where I lived, let alone love them like myself, it was sobering. For it meant that not only was I rebelling against God, but if these were the greatest commandments, my neglect was the greatest sin. In the midst of a thriving but very busy ministry and life I had neglected to love my neighbors. To be a follower or disciple of Jesus you must obey His commands. Thus, we need to learn to live these values of loving God and loving our neighbors. When I chose to love neighbors who actually lived near me in obedience to Jesus, it began what has been the most enjoyable and fulfilling season of my Christian life. Today, I want to share with you how we can become better followers of Jesus.
