“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:36-40

You’re thinking to yourself as you roll your eyes: not these same old verses again! Wait. Hear me out.

Repetition is good. I’m a slow learner and I’m forgetful. Nagging is annoying, but repetition isn’t nagging. Repetition is effective communication. Brain scientists believe seven repetitions help us remember almost anything. One form or another of the phrase “do not be afraid” in the Bible is repeated 365 times. One encouragement on fear for every day of the year!  

I’m fascinated how God intimately reinforces his imperatives to me. Sometimes he allows me to read or hear the same Bible verse on three different occasions within one or two days. That’s my cue to pay attention! Smile.

He has been kind, but serious about driving home the above verses in Deuteronomy 6. I’ve encountered them in at least ten different ways over the past week or two.  Once in our church sermon, a few times in the devotional books I’m currently reading, a couple of times from Christian speakers on radio programs, and in talking with my husband. 

He and I discussed how as saints we’re called to “Be holy because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16). Cringe. It seems impossible to be fully set apart to God, without projecting a “holier than thou” image. Jesus modeled holiness for us, and it may look like this… 

Love the Lord your God in full surrender, and love others. Repeat. Everything else hangs on these two commandments!

Would you seal these words in your heart with me and hang it ( … I have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)) on the cross where Jesus fulfilled all the Law on our behalf?

Karen Sims