And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. ~ Mark 12:28-34 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, I love You with all my heart and soul and mind and strength, but I don’t always live like I do. Forgive me for letting the cares of the world come between us, and help me to focus on You and serve You. I need even more help, Father, with loving my neighbor as myself. Some neighbors are difficult to love, but those are the ones who need it most—the ones You want me to love the most. Forgive my failures and help me to reflect Your love to my fellowman. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.