Jesus said, “Love”
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matt. 22:37-39, Deut. 6:5, Lev. 19:18b)
The Meaning of Life
I teach philosophy and world religions. Sometimes students will ask me, half joking, “What is the meaning of life?”
My answer has surprised some: orient yourself toward a higher power and toward serving others in some way that’s meaningful to you.
I call this “the meaning of life” because nearly every religion in the world teaches these two things. The specifics about God or the higher power differ among religions, but there is the same basic teaching that one should look beyond oneself to something greater and trust that power. But that belief is inseparable from serving other people and seeking their happiness and well-being. Most religions teach that belief in God is invalidated if one disdains one’s neighbor.
The 613 Laws of the Torah
In Judaism, 613 laws of the Torah expressed these basic principles. When the early rabbis sought a simple way to sum up the law, they chose two verses: Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18b. Jesus took up the discussion and agreed with the rabbis.
Although the two principles are common to many religions, they are specially connected to covenant in Judaism and Christianity. Covenant is an agreement that God has made with us–God loves and cares for us, and we seek to follow God’s will in our daily lives. Loving other people, helping them when they are in need, forgiving them (with God’s help) when they have wronged us: these are all expressions of our love for God, too.
Love’s Source
I don’t know about you, but I would have a hard time loving certain people if I weren’t reminded that my love of God has to be joined with love of neighbor. Certain people are hard to love, and often it’s understandable why. Someone has said that “forgiveness is remembering without bitterness,” and this is something God helps us with. Being in covenant relationship with God always means we have God’s grace and power to help us grow and learn and discern best how to serve one another. Jesus is both our great example and our source of grace and love.
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Paul Stroble is the author of eighteen books. His two latest are Walking with Jesus through the Old Testament (Westminster John Knox Press) and Poems-Dreaming at the Electric Hobo (Finishing Line Press). Most of his books are available at Amazon.com.
A passionate reader, I began writing as a young girl. After graduating from college, I became a teacher. Over the course of my career, I taught high schoolers, college undergraduates, and public school teachers how to write personal narratives, expository and persuasive essays, as well as poetry and short fiction. I continued to write: publishing professional articles, two textbooks, short stories, and poetry. In 2013, I won first place in Romantic Suspense in the ACFW Genesis Contest.
Love and service for those less fortunate are what life is all about. I agree with that. I also agree that without Jesus, there would be no reason for either. Loving God helps us understand that there is something and someone higher than we are, and serving others reminds us of our good fortune. What a great lesson to learn.
I’m grateful there are teachers like Paul Stroble in higher education!