Discovery Journal

Justin T. - May 5, 2011

Scripture:

Matthew 22: 37-40 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."

Observation:

We are first instructed to "love." Love is a word that has lost its meaning in our English language. You hear people say things like "I love pizza!" which really dilutes the true meaning of the word love. The word for love that Jesus used in this context was the word "agapao," which means to take pleasure in, prize above all other things, be unwilling to abandon or do without. The first instruction on how to love (agapao) God is with all of our "heart." Heart in this context is the word "kardia," which means the center of all physical and spiritual life, meaning we are to love (agapao) God with all of our thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, and endeavors. The second instruction given on how to love (agapao) God is with all of our "soul." Soul in this context is the word "psyche," which means our feelings, desires, affections, and aversions. The third instruction on how to love (agapao) God is with all of our "mind." Mind in this context is the word "dianoia," which means our understanding and thoughts.
This is not the end, however. Jesus says that there are others we are also to agapao, and loving these people are just as important as loving Him. The word agapao takes on a different meaning in relation to people. Agapao in this context means to welcome, to entertain, be fond of, and to love dearly. He says we are to agapao our "neighbor as our self." Neighbor in this context is the word "plesion," which means any other man/woman irrespective of nation or religion with whom we live or whom we chance to meet. If I were to reconstruct what Jesus said using the original meaning of the words it would sound like this:
"Take pleasure in, prize above all other things, and be unwilling to abandon or do without God! Let Him consume and form all of your thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors, and understanding. And last but just as important, welcome, entertain, be fond of, and love dearly any person whom you have the chance to meet, regardless of where they are from, what they do, or what they believe in, just as you would yourself.

Application:

After studying this scripture in depth, I was humbled when I realized still how far I have to go in fulfilling what Jesus said were the two greatest commands in the Bible. The only thing I can do is to position myself in such a way that will allow Him to change me. That position is on my face before Him, pleading with Him like David did in Psalm 51 when he said; "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Prayer:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Help me to become more like You in my relationship with the Father and with all whom I meet. Amen.