Matthew 22:34-40

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.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:34-40

Dear Jesus,

I do love you, the Father and Holy Spirit and I do love the people around me, but I know my love for God and my neighbor is deeply flawed. I often choose myself over everyone else and when I meet someone hard to love, I easily justify turning away from them. I repent of such fickle love. Lord, fill me with your unconditional love for everyone. Make me love my enemies as much as my dearest friend. Give me the love that you demand. I don't have the wherewithal to love like you want unless you give me your enabling grace. I know that by meditating on your cross I can see and feel the love I'm praying for. So, that will be meditation today, you on the cross for all other sinners and me.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Love is life's goal and love from God is the power to reach it.

Additional Reading: 1 John 4 and 5