Jesus makes it simple. When asked about the greatest commandment, he responds: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27). Simple? Yes. Easy? Not always.
This week’s reading (Luke 10:25-42) gives us two snapshots of what this love looks like. First, we meet the Good Samaritan—someone who puts love into action, crossing boundaries to care for a stranger in need. Then we see Mary and Martha—one caught up in the busyness of service, the other sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening. Both stories challenge us to ask: What does it really mean to love?
Love in Action
The Samaritan doesn’t just feel compassion—he acts on it. He sees, stops, and serves. Loving our neighbor isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about noticing the needs right in front of us. It’s about choosing kindness over convenience, mercy over apathy. Who around me needs a little more love today? A friend who is struggling? A neighbor who feels alone? A stranger I’d rather ignore?
Love in Presence
Then we have Mary, who simply sits with Jesus. No rushing, no distractions—just presence. Loving God isn’t just about doing things for God; it’s about being with God. It’s about carving out moments of quiet in our busy days, allowing God’s love to shape us so that we can love others well. When was the last time I truly sat in God’s presence? Am I too distracted by my to-do list to hear God’s voice?
Holding Both Together
Loving God and loving our neighbor aren’t separate tasks; they are deeply connected. The more time we spend with God, the more we reflect God’s love in the world. And when we serve others, we encounter God’s presence in unexpected ways. The challenge is balance: not being so busy that we forget to listen, and not being so still that we never act.
So, what does it mean to love God and love my neighbor in my daily life? It means paying attention—to God’s presence and to the people around me. It means acting with compassion and making space for stillness. It means letting love be more than just a word.
What’s one way you can live out love today?
