It may be simpler than we think!
When Jesus was asked,
“Teacher, what is the greatest commandment of the Law”,
he didn’t refer to the Ten Commandments but to the Hebrew Shema, the Israelites’ central affirmation of faith;
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
And the second is just like it;
“Love your neighbour as yourself.”
He wrapped up his answer with this beautiful phrase;
“All the ‘Law and the Prophets’ hang on these two commandments.”
That is, the entire Hebrew Scriptures are established on a solid foundation of God’s steadfast love.
Here we have God’s simple formula for a perfect world.
1. Love God.
“The source of all love and goodness.”
2. Love yourself.
“Perfect love cast out fear.”
3. Love your neighbour.
“Even if that neighbour considers you to be an enemy.”
Jesus also made it clear that love is the hallmark of a true disciple;
“The world will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
And just to be clear, Jesus defined the sort of love he meant;
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Imagine if everyone in the world loved one another.
