Love is … I love my hubby, my son, my new daughter, my family. I love coffee, tea, and food. I love the mountains. And I love the cutest of God’s animal creatures — kitty cats, of course!
It’s great to tell you what I love. But how do I show it? Spending time with them. Enjoying their presence. Showing them off. Talking to or about them.
The Shema is a crucial prayer upon which Jews build their lives. The passage in Deuteronomy 6 explains how to integrate this prayer into every aspect of life: teaching children, talking about it in the home, leaving and returning home, sleeping and waking, keeping the words before the eyes and on the hands, and displaying on the door posts and gates of the homes. Every place and every activity saturated with loving and focusing on God and sharing it with others.
Jesus repeated the commandments in other areas in the Bible, stressing their importance. He identified them as the greatest commandments.
Love the LORD with your entire being—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and love others as yourself. Simply, love God, and love others. The key word: Love.
Our Faith Connections Challenge: What are some ways you can express your love for God throughout your day? How can you show love to others? Anticipate what God may do today, and watch for what you get to witness. Here are more examples: pray, keep Scripture cards in common places, sing Scripture songs with your children, display artwork, listen to soft praise and worship music or audiobooks, enjoy creation’s beauty. Take advantage of opportunities to share what God is teaching you with your family and friends. Be creative as you teach your children, applying God’s Word to everyday activities.
Scripture references: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:26-27
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