A Daily Devotion for Tuesday, November 2

Mark 12:33-34

”To love him with all your heart , with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him more questions.

Here Jesus is speaking with one of the “teachers of the law.” The teacher had asked Jesus a question, and then acknowledged the truth of Jesus’ response. The ultimate message is that the love and the respect we show God, and the love and respect with which we treat others, is far more important than any “sacrifice” we make to God to request forgiveness or somehow purchase his good will. God wants us to love Him, and to love each other. This, hopefully, will place us in the kingdom of God.

Father God, I will keep trying. Loving others is not always easy for me. Being judgmental and “right” sometimes, unfortunately comes more easily. Today I will have opportunities to be fair and kind, and show your love to others. Thank you for being with me today and always. Amen

Becky, transforming