The greatest of the entire commandment is Love; which shows the exact nature and the very character of the Lord our God. “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love”. (1 John 4:8)  He himself is the loving, compassionate and merciful Father. "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." (1 John 4:9)  He loved us so much that He wants each one of his children to enjoy the benefits and blessing of this sacrificial love.

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"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:11)  Unless we practice this love that has been shown to us and has been shed into our hearts through the Holy Spirit; we are not worthy of His calling.  We are charged with the responsibility to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and strength. Because love is very important and is a command from our Lord and Master, we are encouraged to teach them to our Children as a very serious matter.

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It is very important for us to note that whenever a child is born, he or she automatically becomes a part of the family of human beings. But these children also need to become members of a specific family to receive nurture and care and grow up healthy and strong. The same is true spiritually. When we are born again, we automatically become a part Of God’s family. As we meditate on the task of the greatest commandment we must always bear in mind that love and commitment goes together. The expression of this divine love should be vividly evident in our lives, our families and the big family of God the Church. We must respect and demonstrate the love of God in the family of God and ours.

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There is a great difference between a church member and an attendee. The church member is committed to the task and expression of God’s love. Attendees are spectators from the sidelines; while members get involved in the ministry. Attendees are ordinary consumers; members are contributors. Attendee wants the benefits of a church without sharing the responsibilities. They are like couples who like to be together without committing to a marriage. God did command us to love with the whole fibre of our being and follow the principles of His commands.

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You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently. (Psalm 119:4)

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‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, …,’ and ‘YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF.'” ..; do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:27-28) 

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Jesus commanded to His disciples: This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12) Obedience to His commandments means love. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, …" (John 15:10)  So let us abide in Him by keeping His commandments and express His love in our daily life by propagating the gospel of love. This produces much fruit and our Father in heaven will be glorified through us.

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Thought:  Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. (John 15:13)