Do Two Things

One of the scribes came and heard them arguing and recognizing that He (Jesus) had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is foremost of all?” 

Jesus answered, “The foremost is, “Hear, O Israel!  The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” 

“The second is, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  There is no other commandment greater than these."

Mark 12:28-31

In our quest to perfect our Christianity we sometimes forget that Jesus did not call us to perfection, but to love God and people.

The former is easy and the latter is sometimes difficult.  We can love people by showing compassion for them, by listening to their troubles, by offering our prayers and by giving wise counsel, if they indicate the need for advice.  And, sometimes we may be called to offer advice and correction where none is solicited.  Even if our words are rejected, the hearer cannot claim he did not know he was in error.  And, if we get yelled at in the process, so what?   Jesus and the Disciples received much worse from those who objected to their words.

Love God and love your neighbor.  It’s the right thing to do.