DECEMBER 26, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

DECEMBER 26 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 22:34-37

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus said that we are to, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and body.” He said after answering that question that the second great commandment is like the first, love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said in these two commandments is contained the whole of the law. Have you ever looked at the Ten Commandments? When you do you will find that the first four deal with your relationship with the Lord and the last six deal with your relationship with others. These commandments reveal what is important to God...that both our relationship with Him and our relationship with others be right.

The Scripture not only deals with how important our relationship is with God, but It speaks also about our relationship with others and how this impacts our relationship with God. We are to love our neighbor. We are to make things right with others before we come to the altar. As much as it depends on us we are to live at peace with all people, we are to take care of the widows, the orphans and the needy. God has designed our walk to not only be relational with Him, but to be loving and caring to those around us. We are to love others. We are to forgive others. We are to make things right with people when they have something against us. If we refuse to do this, the Scripture says it will have an impact on our relationship with God. Peter tells us that even our prayers are hindered because we do not treat our wife properly. We don't live out on a remote island and we don't live our lives unto ourselves. Every aspect of our lives impact our relationship with God and others...and we are commanded to live rightly with both.

Please share your thoughts.