Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest

commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 34-37)

My husband is really a handy guy to have around. You probably know someone like him who seems to be able to make clear sense of those multiple-language instructions to assemble toys on Christmas morning or who can find the reason your car is making that funny noise or manage to build a beautiful piece of furniture out of boards of wood from a tree he cut down.

In the many projects he has tackled over his lifetime, one thing shines through. He is always able to figure out the main part of the problem. It may take a try or two, but like finding a stud in the wall to hang a picture, he studies the problem until he finds the main point and the rest of the project hangs on that understanding.

Now, Jesus told the Pharisees “All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.”

This understanding is where the Bible is leading us and where we hang our understanding. It helps us to keep clear of distractions and remember the main point. Just like the multiple languages in those toy instructions, life throws distractions at us, and they make the whole thing seem like gibberish. God gives us scripture to learn from and even gives us a cheat code! “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind…and Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Knowing this truth doesn’t make life easier, just more understandable.

Prayer

God, help us to remember that love is the main thing, and to love you first and our neighbors as ourselves. Help our heart, soul and mind to remain centered around you and your love.

This devotional was written and read by Julie George.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.