The answer is: God and your neighbour

Luke 10:25-26

In Luke 10:25-26, Jesus beautifully summarizes the essence of love by prioritizing our connection to God and our relationship with others—often highlighted as the cornerstone of his teachings. Isn’t it fascinating that when asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus essentially simplified hundreds of laws into two essential loves? This demonstrates an uncomplicated yet profound view of what it means to live a faithful life.

When considering the command to love God, we see that it encourages a strong spiritual grounding—an invitation to converse with the divine, understanding that is as important today as it was long ago. Not merely a withdrawn love, God fashions an engagement with our hearts, inviting awe, devotion, and reverence.

Then, there's the element of loving one’s neighbor, which undeniably emphasizes community and reciprocity. Jesus expands this portion of the commandment, illustrating in the famous Parable of the Good Samaritan how love transcends cultural barriers and artistic distinctions. It’s a call to action, showing love through service, compassion, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Did you know that this concept echoes throughout many different spiritual traditions around the world? Whether Eastern philosophies emphasizing interconnectedness or Western humanitarianism’s focus on social justice, the endeavor to treat others with love highlights a universal longing for community and togetherness—a constant reminder that enriching the lives of those around us ultimately enriches our own. What's not to love about that?