“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)
If you were on the TV show “Jeopardy” with Alex Trebek and this verse came up as the answer, you would say, “What did Jesus say was the greatest commandment in the Law?” (And you would be right, and you would win a million dollars, let’s say. Nice job.)
Out of all of the commandments in the Law (and there are a ton of them), Jesus said what matters most is our love for God. And it’s not just about saying those three little words to God every few days. It’s the kind of love that motivates action. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t hold anything back.
Since the Israelites (like us) had no other gods besides the one, true God, they didn’t need to divide their love for God with any other idol or deity. All of their love could be spent (in thoughts, words, decisions, and actions) in one place.
Think: What does it mean to you, practically speaking, to love God with all of your heart, soul, and strength?
Pray: Ask God to help you to love him with all of your heart, soul, and strength.
Do: Read Jesus’ full answer to the question in Matthew 22:34-40.