Our scripture this morning is Deuteronomy 6:4-6 (NLT).
Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.
Verses 4 and 5 of this passage are known as the Shema, a statement of Israel’s faith in the God who had rescued them. Moses had just reiterated the Ten Commandments to the people and adds this guidance as the reason for keeping God’s law. From the very beginning God has wanted a right relationship with us.
Jesus called this the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37-38. He immediately followed it with “love your neighbor as yourself”, saying both were essential to our lives and our salvation. God wants us to have a right relationship with Him and each other as well.
Jesus made this concept real for us in Matthew 7:12, saying “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” When we connect with each other according to what scripture teaches, we also connect with our Savior.
Loving Lord, in Your mercy You sent Your Son to save us. Help us to learn the lessons He taught and to love You and one another with all our heart, soul and strength. Amen.
