Once when Jesus’ opponents were trying to catch him out, one of them was so impressed with his answers that he asked what seems to have been a genuine question, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important?’ Jesus answered,
‘The most important one 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” (Mark 12:29-31).
In giving this answer, he quoted from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Interestingly, Jesus added an extra clause to the Mosaic passage.
Moses listed only heart, soul and strength. Jesus added ‘mind’. It is impossible to underestimate the importance of this.
There is a reason why Jesus introduced it. Actions result from thoughts. The mouth tells on the heart (Matthew 12:35-37).
We can never love God in practice if we don’t first love him in our minds. Think as Jesus thought, says Paul (Philippians 2:5).
The Bible word for God’s love is agape. This is a kind of love that depends on being initiated in the mind. It is decisive, committed love.
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.
Hi Barry!
God Bless You, I am loving Your all your thoughts!I have all your books next to me.I have visited a great place not far from Tabor.
The Porterhouse Church, We had yesterday a first great successful basketball competition under God’s eyes.(Kogarah area) The pastors are great.This is a kind of love what coming from Holy spirit to plant some beliefs to those young mans and tell them the right way to walk.On the basketball court where they played the game they prayed together the end.Hope we will see them tonight at the International day, at 500 Forest road. I know it is the very last minute, but if you and Vanessa would pass by, it will start at 6.30. I would be very happy to see you,and Vanessa. It is the sigh out Potter House.
I hope you are blessed and well.
I wish you a very Blessed New Year.
God Blessings Sarolta Boda
I would like t