Mark 12:28

A GREAT QUESTION ANSWERED

‘Which is the first commandment of all?’

Mark 12:28

There can be but one, which to us is the first commandment of all. Open what part of the New Testament you please, and you find it, in one way or another, speaking of the love of God.

I. What is meant by the love of God?—The Bible does not use words at random. When it uses a word, it means by it what that word stands for among men. When the Bible speaks of our being able to love God, of our duty and blessedness consisting in the love of God, it means not outward conduct only, but the feelings and affections of our hearts which God expects us to give Him. To believe in God, to obey Him, is necessary, but it is imperfect Gospel religion till the heart has learnt to love Him.

II. How can this be?—These things you say seem above us. But was not the Gospel first preached to the poor? And do you suppose that the poor among whom Christ lived, out of whom He chose His Apostles, and to whom He sent them preaching, were so different from poor, hard-working men and women now? If any one should think it is of no use for them to think of loving God, I ask, ‘How can you tell till you have tried?’ ‘Have you ever really taken any trouble about it?’ Only God’s Holy Spirit can change your heart and teach you to love God. But He will not come and do His great work in your heart, if He sees that you do not care whether He comes to you or not.

III. Simple hints.—If, then, you wish to come to love God, keep in mind these simple points:—

(a) You must not have idols in your hearts.

(b) The way to fight against sin is in every one’s power.

(c) We cannot hope to love God without knowing Him. We cannot hope to know Him without communing with Him in the only possible way—in prayer. As long as we do not try to pray, it is hopeless for us to learn to love God.

(d) Lastly, there is that one great means of blessing which is open to the poorest—the Holy Communion. If we loved God, how little we should be tempted by the sins that ruin men’s souls, and make them miserable. If we loved God, how light would be the sufferings of this present time.

—Dean Church.