Mark 12:28-34 Trying to love our neighbor?

Send us Fan MailIn today’s Gospel Jesus is asked by a scribe, “Which commandment is the first of all?”  Jesus answers his question directly. Jesus talked about loving God exclusively, with all your heart, mind and all your strength. Jesus did not leave anything out. Jesus does not stop there but teaches that we are to love our neighbor as our selves. Jesus would later go on to define his understanding of who is a neighbor in the parable of the Good Samaritan.  It is not impossible to love people we admire or who love us or are similar to us.  It is hard if not impossible to love those who have hurt us or have broken our trust. We must make a conscious choice to live by our own values rather than reacting to the behavior of others. The Gospel really makes it clear that Jesus sees that loving God and loving others are intertwined. We cannot say that we love God and at the same time hate part of his creation. I would like to suggest six things that might help you become more loving. Complete our 1 Minute Survey