When Jesus was asked “which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
Jesus said “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And second is like it: ‘You shall lover your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hand all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Christian Perfection is not discovered by the acts of legalism but discovered through our love and close relationship with God. It is only after this that we are truly able to love ourselves and others.
During this time of Lent, I encourage each of us to consciously live out these commandments.
1. Love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
Pray Daily; Search the Scriptures; Invite the Grace of God into Your Life.
2. Love Yourself.
- Take time for yourself. Take care of yourself. Learn to love how God made you. Be thankful.
- Do something you have always wanted to do. Learn a new skill,
challenge yourself to a healthier life; physically, emotionally, spiritually.
3. Love Your Neighbor.
- Do an act of kindness. Smile, laugh, or share a joke. Be positive!
- Open the door for someone; return a buggy cart for someone at the store;
send a card to a shut-in or a friend you have not seen or heard from in a
while; send a note to someone you know needs encouragement.
- Visit or prepare a meal and invite your family and/or friends.
- Send a card or a care-package to our college students. Take a care package to one of our local schools for the teachers and administration.
- Tell your spouse, children, and parents how much you love them
everyday. Show your love with hugs, kisses, a word of encouragement
or a little note.
- Do something extra for someone else.
These are only a few ideas. I know there are a lot more. Use your creativity and gifts to reach out to God, Yourself, and Your Neighbor. It is through our acts of kindness, patience, and tolerance that people can see Jesus Christ in our own lives.
In the book The Way to Heaven: The Gospel According to John Wesley, Steve Harper states: “The call of the Christian is the call to grow. The Wesleyan equation is this: “Grace plus response equals growth.” There is no point in life where we can say, ‘I have all I need [relationally with God].’”
Grow this Lenten Season – Rev. Jill Rhinehart