Are You Obeying the Greatest Commandment?

The two greatest commandments are all about love (Matthew 22:37-40). We are to love God fully with all that we are and love our neighbor as ourselves. There’s something you may have missed about these commandments. It’s something many people miss. They don’t just go together because they’re about loving; they are completely intertwined.

We can devote our entire lives to the Church, following all the regulations and attending daily Mass. We can donate to the Church and serve in whatever capacity suits us. We can pray countless rosaries and novenas, spending hours in prayer each day. We can do all this in the name of loving God, but miss something greater.

We can also be the most kind, courteous, and compassionate people to our neighbors. We can attend support rallies and volunteer time for others. We can donate blood, money, and services for the poor, less fortunate, and marginalized. We can spend countless hours and devotion to causes that serve others and be praised for our humanitarian work, but miss something greater.

You see, those two commandments are bound. They must be united to fulfill God’s work. So what does that look like? What could it mean to unite these two? Could a person simply doing both be enough? This is a lot of pressure, but there’s an easier way.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:30

How many Christians do you know who are outwardly pious but quick to judge others? How many non-Christians do you know doing charitable work but denying God, saying they don’t need religion to be a good person? Doing both seems like a lot of work but there is an easier way.

We must love God first, yes, in all things! And we must love our neighbor, supporting and lifting one another up. But what if it’s not about doing two things but doing one thing that affects both goals?

What if it’s about loving God through your neighbor? Imagine if our love for God is so strong, that we love what He loves; we love who He loves. Imagine that by loving God so much, we are compelled to love our neighbor as well. As a result of loving our neighbor, we are compelled to tell them the truth because we want to give them that gift. Yes, gift! God’s love is a gift He gives freely and we should share this gift. His love is truth and truth cannot hide or be hidden forever (Matthew 5:14-16). Our love for neighbor should compel us to share this truth, urging our neighbors to hear His Word and accept His Love for each of us, for humanity.

With this in mind, devoting ourselves to worshiping the Lord will come more easily. Serving our neighbor will come naturally. Those things will be a side effect of our devotion to Love. Not there yet? That’s okay! Keep showing up at Mass. Keep honoring His commandments and helping your neighbors. Let His Love be part of you until it all comes together. Remember: we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Let that love flow through you.