The Greatest Commandment

Matthew 22:36-39

When the Jewish leaders asked Jesus what he considered to be the greatest commandment, he answered them with excerpts from the shema, as expected.  What they did not expect was Jesus elevating the commandment "Love thy neighbor as thyself" to the same level as the shema, which they quoted daily.   It is interesting to note Jesus' response was given in a time of racial tension (Jew/Gentile) and social injustice (Samaritans).  May God give us the love and wisdom to know how to respond to our neighbors as He commanded us to.  It is only possible to love with God's agape love if we know Him and have a personal relationship with Him because of the death of Jesus to pay for the sin of mankind, effective for those who believe.  If you do not have a personal relationship with God, consider the Bible teachings:

Repent of your sin
(Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10-12)

Believe He sent Jesus to die, be buried and rise again to pay for your sin (Romans 5:8, John 3:16,
I Corinthians 15:3-4)

Receive the gift of salvation through Jesus alone, not on any merit of your own (John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10,13)