“Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as yourself.’” (MSG) Mark 12:29-31

Picture this situation, you are a religious scholar back during the time of Jesus. You have studied theology and can explain its intricate details. You are weary with how most scholars argue over minor issues. And now you’ve come to Jesus to ask him to give you the big picture.

Jesus responded to that religious scholar and to all people by combining parts of the often-repeated Shema Israel (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and the last part of the much less quoted command: “Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God.” (Leviticus 19:18).

In today’s world, we are faced with many difficult decisions. Consider an issue you’ve been puzzling over, a decision you need to make, or an approach you need to take with a difficult person. It is helpful to consider the simple but majestic big picture response that Jesus provides. We feed ourselves, we clothe ourselves, we give ourselves a place to live – that’s love.  God’s big picture is to get us to show that love to others.

Picture Jesus saying this to you, “Love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy… Love others as well as you love yourself.”  Don’t take this as a scolding or punishment, but as the best and wisest thing any person could do.