A legal expert challenged Jesus by asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” In response, Jesus points out to him that he already has the answer in the Law. He simply needed to understand and obey the Law correctly.
To comply with and follow the law more accurately, he needed to recognise or grasp what God wanted of him.
Most of us are familiar with God's commandments. We are to love God entirely and comprehensively, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. But knowing the words of the commandments and reciting them regularly is not enough. It is obediently living out or applying these commandments daily that brings us God’s approval and, eventually, our inheritance.
This is no easy matter. It
requires constant reflection on our lives to determine how well we love God and our neighbour. We need to consider, for example, what motivates our loving actions. Is it fame or gain, or a grateful response to God’s overwhelming, loving care for us?
Reflect on God's commandments to love today. We naturally spend most of our time doing those things, and with those people that we love most. We will be energised and motivated in our
interaction with them. Jesus points out that this is what truly makes us alive.
How much time and effort do I put into loving God and others? What motivates my loving actions – fame, gain or gratitude?
Where is God’s Spirit prompting me to focus more lovingly today?
What is the quality of my loving time and energy spent with God and others?
Reflections by Reggie Venter
