“Lord, grant that I might not so much seek to be loved as to love.” – St. Francis of Assisi

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Listen to my song “Make Me a Channel” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Support my ministry by purchasing my songs and books at the links following the scripture reflection below. Thank you!

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Mark 12:30-31

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

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When a scribe asked Jesus to determine which was the greatest commandment, Jesus’ reply was today’s scripture verse.

As you can see, Love was the bottom line for Jesus.

The kind of love he was talking about was not the sentimental, mushy love of romance novels and movies.

It was the “agape” kind of love.

This love is beyond emotions.

It’s a choice.

And most importantly, it’s unconditional.

It’s a Love that is infinite.

It is poured upon us from an unending reservoir.

This is the love God has for us.

This is the Love that God is.

Remember: “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Jesus demonstrated this love when he continued to respond in truth and non-violence to those who maliciously and unjustly tortured and killed him.

He gave us the ultimate example when he forgave his killers from the cross when they had not even asked for forgiveness (Luke 23:34)!

When the scribe responded that he understood and agreed with what Jesus had said, Jesus told him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34).

Jesus’ mission was to ignite this agape love in the hearts of all so that the “kingdom of God” would manifest in this time and place.

Many have complicated this simple (yet difficult) foundation of Christianity through myriads of rules and fundamentalism.

It’s time to get back to the basics.

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Listen to the song of the day “Make Me a Channel” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!