Mark 11-12, Psalm 100
Mark 12:29-30 (NLT)
“Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’’”
In Mark 12:29–30, a teacher of religious law asked Jesus which commandment was the most important. Christ told him that the most important commandment was to love the Lord with everything you have and are—with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love for the Lord is the foundation from which obedience to His other commandments flows.
When I read these verses, what stood out to me was the phrase “love the Lord with all your strength.” One Bible commentary I read noted that Jesus perfectly fulfilled this commandment through His obedient life and His willingness to accept death on the cross. I know I love Father-God with all my heart, soul, and mind. But I had never really thought about what it means to love Father-God with all my strength, which can include how I use my physical energy, abilities, and resources.
I always thought of most of my actions as my own, with the Lord being given the actions that related specifically to church. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I am learning that loving Father-God also means that what I do with my body and my strength should glorify Him. When I serve others, I need to think of myself as working for the Lord. And I need to use my strength to persevere when I am tired or face opposition. When I do these things, I am learning what it means to love the Lord with all my strength and to give Him the energy and abilities He has given me.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who teaches us what it means to love Father-God with all that we are—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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