Local Missions: Caring for Your CommunitySample

The Greatest Commandments

When we choose to follow Jesus, everything changes. Rather than setting our own priorities and pursuing the things we want in life, Jesus becomes our focus. We look to His example and live as He lived.

But … how do we do that? How can we take His life—as seen in the four gospels in the New Testament—and boil it down in a way that’s simple to follow?

Thankfully, Jesus gave us a straightforward answer to that question.

In ancient Israel, the Jewish people were expected to follow hundreds of different laws. The weight of all of these laws could be a burden to those living under them. So, Jesus condensed all of these laws down to two. Everything He did and said came back to these two commandments:

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 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 this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31 NIV

That’s it. Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.

Loving our neighbors is a vital, irreplaceable part of following Jesus. When we care for people, we glorify God and change lives for the better—ours included. And loving our neighbors starts right in our own backyard. When you look around your neighborhood and larger community, you’ll find people in need of help, in need of healing, and in need of the grace and love of Jesus.

Over the next few days of this Bible Plan, we’ll take a look at the life of Jesus and how He cared for the people around Him in practical ways. We’ll also look at related causes you can explore to help you discover how God’s calling you to love your neighbors.

Today, take a few minutes to think through the following reflection questions:

Reflection Questions:

• What do you think it looks like to love your neighbor as yourself?
• What are some practical ways you’re already caring for the people around you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for how well You care for me. I want to show Your love to the people in my life. As I read through the next few days of this Bible Plan, would You show me new ways I can care for others? In Jesus’ name, amen.