Together in Christ: 'The Right Angle of Love' — Matthew 22:39-40

Friday, November 22, 2024

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[Jesus continued his answer to the expert in religious law about the most important commandment:] "A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."
— Matthew 22:39-40 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus made clear that there was a right angle to love. We must reach up in love to God, reach out to our neighbor with love, and share our love with those our lives touch. If we love God, then we will love our neighbors. We will offer that love regardless of their race, culture, language, social status, or political preferences. [1] After all, God didn't send Jesus only to save us, but also to save our neighbors — whether close or distant geographically or culturally. [2] We are to love our neighbors whether they are deserving of our kindnesses or not. We remember that God loved us and sent Jesus to save us when we were "utterly helpless" and "sinners" and "still [God's] enemies." [3]

Our love for our neighbors means we will care for them in practical and even costly ways. [4] More than just talking about loving our neighbors, we are to share fellowship, encouragement, help, and support with them in tangible ways. [5] Our commitment to love our neighbors will help us act toward our neighbors and react positively to them. We won't need any law to teach us what is correct in any situation because our love will lead us to treat them as we want to be treated. [6] If we love God, we will love our neighbors. [7] The truth is straightforward and clear! We will love our neighbors because God wants that from us and has already lavished His love upon us!

[1] Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Revelation 7:9-12.
[2] John 3:16-17.
[3] Romans 5:6-11.
[4] Luke 10:33-35.
[5] James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:16-18.
[6] Matthew 7:12; Romans 13:8-9; Galatians 5:14.
[7] 1 John 4:19.

Today's Prayer

Holy Spirit of the living and true God, please pour divine love into my heart [A] so that I can love others with a holy, pure, willing, sacrificial, helpful, and practical love. Lord Jesus, use me to be Your hands and display Your heart toward those who are lost, lonely and looking for hope. I ask for these gifts of grace to bless others in Your name, O God. Amen.

[A] Romans 5:5.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 10:25-37
  • Romans 12:1-2, 9-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 22:39-40 NLT — [Jesus continued his answer to the expert in religious law about the most important commandment:] "A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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