According to Jesus, the most important commandment is to love God and love others. This is succinctly captured in the synoptic Gospels, where Jesus summarizes the Law by citing two primary commandments. In Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV), Jesus says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” This passage reflects the essence of the Jewish Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and the command to love one's neighbor found in Leviticus 19:18. Jesus presents these two commandments as inseparable and foundational, emphasizing that all the Law and the Prophets hang on these commands (Matthew 22:40). From an evangelical perspective, loving God with one's entire being involves a devoted relationship with Him, characterized by obedience and worship. Loving others, meanwhile, entails selfless actions, kindness, and compassion, reflecting God's love in human relationships. This dual commandment encapsulates the heart of Christian ethics, guiding believers in their relationship with God and with others, and serving as the ultimate fulfillment of God's law.
In a world filled with numerous rules and moral guidelines, followers of Christianity often seek clarity on which commandment holds the utmost importance in their faith journey. The teachings of Jesus Christ, central to Christian doctrine, offer profound insights into this question. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus provided a response that encapsulates the essence of Christian ethics and devotion.
The question of the greatest commandment is addressed in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In the Gospel of Matthew, a Pharisee, an expert in the law, poses this question to Jesus, seeking to test Him:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Matthew 22:36 (NIV)
Jesus' response is both profound and straightforward, highlighting the core of His teaching:
"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
The first and greatest commandment emphasizes the necessity of loving God completely and unreservedly. This commandment is rooted in the Shema, an ancient Jewish prayer found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5:
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)
Jesus reiterates this commandment to underscore the importance of a wholehearted devotion to God. This love involves every aspect of one's being—heart, soul, and mind. It calls for a total commitment to God, prioritizing Him above all else.
Alongside the command to love God, Jesus presents a second, complementary commandment: to love one's neighbor as oneself. This commandment is derived from Leviticus 19:18:
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."
Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)
Loving one's neighbor entails showing kindness, compassion, and empathy to others, reflecting the love that God extends to humanity. Jesus emphasizes that these two commandments together form the foundation of the entire Law and the Prophets.
By linking the love of God with the love of neighbor, Jesus presents a unified vision of the law. These two commandments are interconnected, demonstrating that genuine love for God naturally extends to love for others. The Apostle John echoes this sentiment:
"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."
1 John 4:20 (NIV)
The dual command to love God and neighbor fulfills the entirety of the Law. As Jesus states, all the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in his letter to the Romans:
"The commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not covet,' and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Romans 13:9-10 (NIV)
To faithfully adhere to the greatest commandment, believers are encouraged to cultivate an intimate relationship with God. This involves regular prayer, worship, and meditation on Scripture. By prioritizing God in their daily lives, Christians can deepen their love and devotion to Him.
Loving one's neighbor goes beyond mere words; it requires tangible actions. Christians are called to serve others selflessly, engage in acts of kindness, and demonstrate compassion. This love should extend to all people, regardless of differences in race, background, or beliefs.
Balancing the love for God with the love for neighbor creates a harmonious life that reflects Jesus' teachings. Christians are encouraged to evaluate their lives continuously, ensuring that their actions align with these commandments.
In addressing the question of the greatest commandment, Jesus offers a profound yet simple directive: love. Love for God and love for neighbor form the cornerstone of Christian ethics and spirituality. By embodying these commandments, believers fulfill the essence of the law and emulate the character of Christ. As Christians seek to live out these teachings, they are reminded of the transformative power of love, which lies at the heart of the Gospel message.
In summary, the most important commandment according to Jesus is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind and to love one's neighbor as oneself. These inseparable commands invite believers into a life of complete devotion to God and compassionate service to others, embodying the very essence of the Christian faith.