Scripture to Read: Matthew 7:12
Our Lord has opened our eyes to the fullness of God the Father’s love for us in Matthew 7:7–11, and then Jesus said in Matthew 7:12, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Since God has given us so much through our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, we, in turn, must treat others with love and respect, knowing that God’s greatest command is to love. We all deeply desire to be loved and respected, so Jesus clearly tells us that we must be willing to love and respect others. Jesus also reminds us that this is what God’s Law teaches and what the prophets taught. God has Paul repeat His Word from His Law in the Old Testament when He had Paul write in Romans 13:8–10, “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” This is what it means to love and respect each other and to treat others exactly as we want to be treated. As we live each day, we must measure our words and actions by God’s Truth, and as we do, we will fulfill God’s Law through love.
Challenge & Application
· What is the greatest command, and why is it the greatest command?
· How will you apply what God has taught you this week, and how will you help others to do the same?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!