JESUS AMAZINGLY cut through to the heart of every matter, especially when the Pharisees and scribes were trying to port ray Him as not "keeping the Law." Their quest ion, seemingly, innocent and wise; His answer simple, yet so profound. What is the greatest commandment? Jesus told them in no uncertain terms and also added the second. These two statements of obedience to God comprise the whole Decalogue, and all the endless interpretations and revisions the learned of that day could add. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . and your neighbor as yourself."

I don't know about you, but I am in trouble here. Not the loving God part. My heart fills with inexpressible gratitude, joy, and adoration in my love for Him. My trouble is loving my neighbor, and even more, loving my enemies. How can I love them as myself, when they harm me or my loved ones?

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Nothing in this lost world bears the impress
of the Son of God so surely as forgiveness.
- Alice Cary