When a teacher of the law asks Jesus which commandment is the most important, Jesus answers by quoting the Shema (their daily prayer): to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He then adds a second command — to love your neighbor as yourself — which cannot be separated from the first. Genuine faith is centered on sacrificial love because that expression of love is God's very nature.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- Why do you think Jesus connects love for God so closely with love for neighbor?

- How have you seen faith practices (like going to church) help you to love? Have you seen faith practices sometimes distract you from loving God or others?

- What might it look like if you were to live this commandment out more fully?

- Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with love for you and help that love overflow to the people around me.