Hello again friends and family.  I’m sorry we missed you last week, but we took the opportunity to bless some family members who have had a rough time, and it was a day well spent.  Pastor David returned my digital recorder last night, so I’ll get the podcasts up as soon as I can.  I’m looking forward to hearing Tim’s testimony and the good message we missed.

This week I’d like to share some thoughts with you from Matthew 22:35-40.  When Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment is, he responds, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ ³⁸ This is the great and foremost commandment. ³⁹ The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ ⁴⁰ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Have you heard someone take this passage and use it to show that we should love ourselves?  I have, and I may have even used it that way myself.  I think when we do that we’re turning this passage on its head.  It isn’t about us.  In fact, it’s about everyone but us.  Jesus here acknowledges the reality that we do love ourselves and teaches us to give the same attention to God and to our neighbor.  Come and explore this teaching with us on Sunday