What is the heart of the gospel? You may have any number of thoughts about this but my personal preference is when Jesus responds to the question: “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
Jesus’ response? “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.” For me, that sums up the gospel message and gets to the heart of what we need to do with our lives.
Easier said than done perhaps. I don’t always like my neighbor, let alone ‘love’ them. And the little tag onto “love your neighbor” gives me pause to think that I don’t always love myself very well either. If I’m to love my neighbor ‘as myself,’ I might need to be a little gentler and kinder and a lot less judgmental with ME.
On Sunday, we are going to reflect further about this heart of the gospel. In the mean time, ask yourself what you consider to be the heart of the gospel? How does the heart of the gospel shape your own heart and action? What are the challenges?
As Mother Teresa said, “A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love.”
To reflect further, check out “Praying in Colour: Week Two” at:
http://www.beachunitedchurch.com/10457/ministry/ministry_id/215078/Season_of_Summer__Praying_in_Colour
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