Matthew 22:33-40

The first commandment is the foundation of everything else

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37–40)

The Greatest Commandment appears in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke — a clear sign of its immense importance. This week, I would like to reflect on the first commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matt 22:37-38)

Jesus described these two commandments — to love God and to love others — as the foundation upon which all the Law and the Prophets rest. The order in which they are given is deeply significant. Why is the first commandment placed first, and what does this priority mean for us?
The first commandment is the foundation of everything else. The true value, direction, and purpose of life are rooted in living out this greatest commandment. Through it, our love is anchored in God’s divine purpose and sustained by His strength.
In the Old Testament, God gave the Ten Commandments through Moses, calling His people to worship Him alone and to love others rightly. These commandments guided them to turn away from idolatry, live free from sin, and build relationships grounded in love and order.
Now, in this New Testament age of grace, God’s people are called to hold fast to His truth and obey Jesus’ greatest commandment — to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Those who do so will surely experience God’s blessing, guidance, and favour in their lives.
Most of us know this commandment well, but the real question is: do we live it out as Jesus intended? Loving God is not simply a feeling, wish, or prayer — it is a daily decision to put Him first in all things. To love God with all our heart, soul, and mind means to devote ourselves completely to Him — to love with both our emotions and our will, to respond wholeheartedly to His love, and to offer our lives as living sacrifices that bear witness to His greatness.
Yet, even with the best intentions, the busyness of life often distracts us. Work, family, and even ministry can sometimes take precedence over our time with God. When our focus shifts away from Him, we lose touch with His heart and direction.
When we fail to draw near to God, it becomes difficult to live out this commandment in our daily walk and service. Our connection with Him weakens, and we risk losing clarity of purpose — both individually and as a church. Some of our choices and decisions may even drift away from His will and cease to please Him.
May the Lord have mercy on us and draw us back to Himself, that we may once again love Him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind.