Earlier on in history, religion was filled with animal sacrifices and superstitions. The practices were mostly out of fear and sacrifices were made to supplicate the gods. This changed over time and after many centuries later, Jesus moves them to another plain and that is of love, as he gives us the commandment, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
It is important to remember that the primary component of biblical love is not affection but commitment. When we are committed to love, we are not far from the kingdom. Our need for love sometimes brings us to dark places and selfishness. The Lord tells us the first step is to accept His love and then we will be able to fulfil his commandment of love.
Similarly, to love our neighbours, including our enemies, does not mean that we must feel affection for them. To love the neighbour is to imitate God by moving them to love.
God just wants your heart, the seat of your emotions, your inner character, and the force that determines your inner decision making.
Strengthened by our Father’s giving heart to us, we can give ours to our neighbour.
by Marina