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Read: Matthew 22:36-40
Listen: Matthew 22

“All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:40

Jesus had silenced the hostile questioning of the Sadducees, and now the Pharisees come up to bat. Knowing the law thoroughly, one Pharisee asks Jesus what the greatest commandment is. Jesus’s response is to echo God’s command to love the Lord with all of one’s heart, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). He goes on to say that they must also love each other. This lesson sums up the heart behind all the commandments God gave. All six hundred thirteen laws are boiled down to this: love God and love others.

Living a life that honors God may feel like an enormous task. We can do so and uphold his commands by continuing to grow in love for him and others. We can love God better by setting our phones aside and setting our attention on him. One day a week, we can honor the Sabbath and rest to remember him and love others from a refreshed heart. We can set boundaries for our hearts, and avoid chasing after what and who are not ours. When we love God and others well, we agree with God that all his commands are good.

TODAY: Consider what it could look like to grow in your love for God and others. Ask God to reveal an actionable way to love him or people better. If you want additional help in this area, then consider attending one of the Ada Bible Academy classes starting Thursday, October 16. Topics include Made for More: Understanding God’s Design for Sexuality and Live it Well: Charting a God-Centered Course for your 4th Quarter. Learn more and register today.