Love is NOT Optional

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:37-40

 I have been doing a LOT of contemplating, meditating and pondering lately.  Again, let me stress that I am, in NO way, attempting to make any sort of political commentary. I simply wish to share something God has shown me.

First, look at today's passage.  Jesus reminds us of the very first of the commandments given to us by God. We are to love God with every atom of our being!  We are to be so focused on Him that His love fills us and showers everyone with whom we have contact!  We must be so focused on Him that we see every creation through His eyes!  Every single one!

Second, Jesus reminds us that we are to love others as much as we love ourselves.  This is NOT a recommendation.  This is NOT a request!  This is NOT a "if it doesn't inconvenience you too much" suggestion!  God commands us to love others as we love ourselves.  It is this love that God has for us when He sent Jesus to teach us, love us, care for us, and die in our place!

"But what if they don't love me the same way?"  Did God provide a caveat? Did He offer an exemption?  Absolutely not.  We are to love God so completely that we love others.  I have struggled with loving others, and still struggle with it.  However, God keeps reminding me of His love for me and keeps bringing people into my life that need His love through me.

Love is not optional!