Matthew 22:37-38
Jesus replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."
What does this mean, to love God with your mind? Maybe this is the learning and seeking part of loving God. This is the part I have some control over- what I choose to fill my head with- what I spend time thinking about. The mind is also where prayer is formed. Of course, prayer involves the heart and soul, as well. Maybe this is our reminder that our relationship with God is not all about feelings. It is about knowledge and belief, as well.
Holy Lord, May I always keep my mind tuned in to what draws me closer to you. Even if there are times when I don't "feel it", when my heart and soul do not feel willing, may I turn to loving you with my mind. Amen
Becky, transforming
Matthew 22:37-38
I really like the fact that we are told to use our minds as we go through this journey of loving our Lord. It opens us up to study, inquiry, maybe even some doubts. Doubts we try to figure out and eventually overcome as we mature in our faith. It is also wonderful that this first and greatest commandment is a positive one. Not a don’t do this or don’t do that. Simple and straightforward—LOVE.
Prayer: Gracious God, if only everyone could love you as Jesus explained, how different the world would be. Amen
Thursday, March 28th, 2024
Matthew 22:37-38
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸This is the great and first commandment. ³⁹And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
As I read and reread these verses, the Spirit reminded me in my thoughts that I knew very well what love is—all kinds of love, from six brothers and sisters, from family and friends. And the greatest joy and experience in love had come in raising my two sons and daughter. All of these loves were powerful. They were each distinct and yet, very common. When I questioned myself if I loved God…
Matthew 22:37-38
Jesus makes clear that genuine faith is holistic. My tendency is to be analytic. The mind part seems to come easier to me than the heart part of faith. That is not to say my faith walk has not covered the 18 inch journey from my brain to my heart. It has, but my expressions of that faith tend more toward the mind. It was a bit of an issue in seminary, where I was told more than once to be less analytical and academic in my writing and let my heart speak. This was a real change for someone with my medical background. I got better, but as recently as this week at my Deacons’ small group,…