Daily Word Monday June 23, 2008

Matthew 22:37-40 (The Message)

Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."

Why do we create so many rules and regulations to live by in order to be ‘Christians’ when Jesus gave us two basic rules to live by that would ensure that we would live a ‘Christ like’ life. The first is to love our Father God with our whole being, and the second is to love others in the same way as we love ourselves.

To often like the Pharisees of old we get so hung up on petty dos and don’ts that we totally miss the big picture. The fact is, that if we treat others in all circumstances and situations the way we would want them to treat us, we will fulfill the ‘law of love’ – sounds easy doesn’t it --- simple it may be but easy it isn’t!

We all know how hard it is to respond positively to someone who is provoking us in some way or other – and the truth is that without the love of Christ in our hearts, we cant! But that’s the whole point – we need to be ‘in Christ’, each and every day, to be able to effectively impact the lives of others with his love.

And remember – as we sew so we reap, and as we love others (warts and all) we will be loved!!!

Reach out in love and understanding today!!!!!!

Stay fervently focused

Much love

Chrissy