The Gospel's Command

I don't Biblethump. I don't post much Scripture. But this is good, basic, relevant stuff that I need to write down. And I think you'll benefit from soaking it in...

"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."

- Mt 22:36-40

You've heard that before, right? Here's another that you probably know...

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance... For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when (did we do these things that you say we've done for you)?'

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

- Mt 25:34-40

"Love God, love people" is how I've heard the mission of Christians summarized. And while certainly not all-encompassing, it's a good summary of what we are to do. So, by clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and caring for the sick, we are loving the God of the universe. Wow.

So, how should we take this? How should we respond to this? How should we interpret this?

Ummm... how about literally?

How about we put our money where our mouths are. How about we literally feed the hungry. How about we literally provide (clean) water to the thirsty. How about we clothe and house those who need covering. I understand that there are Biblical passages that are more poetic and historical than imperative, but can we agree that God is pleased when we love people in such a tangible way?

Over the last few weeks, I've been thinking on these things. I've decided that I'm going to try to live with the intention of looking for people to love like this. Not just "well, if I happen to run into a gaunt fellow dying of starvation, maybe I'll take him a sandwich", but intentional living to love God by loving others.

I live in a neighborhood where there are plenty of people to serve. All I need to do is open my eyes and be obedient.

It's amazing how many needy people you see when you open your eyes in search of them.