Nougat 6

I tell you, this business of Loving is complex. Consider today’s Holy Nougat

““And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In Moses’ day, wholeheartedness was described with the term Heart and Soul. In fact, sometimes one’s Mind or Strength were also added. It is possible that when combined, the phrase underscored an intentional congruence of one’s being in doing the activity. And it also suggests that it wasn’t forced.

Of course, Love manifests with serving – voluntary demonstration of one’s feelings, or dare I say tangible. Before we think about registering a complaint, or worse yet, adduce that such actions misleads us to thinking Love is cheapened by actions; let’s be reminded that John 15:13 tells us Why we demonstrate our love through service

While we were still sinners; Jesus love was demonstrated at Calvary when He died for us

– that’s you, me AND the whole world!

In Moses’ time, God rescued them from pharaoh and enslavement. It’s a mutual admiration society, fueled by service!

And, when asked what is the greatest commandment; Jesus described love for God in like manner; THEN wedded love for neighbor as an imperative extension to both Love of God and of Self. ie We’re expected to serve ourselves in similar ways to our service to God! No, I’m not crazy nor do I digress.

Our first duty is loving God

Our ‘duty’ ought to be manifested through Service

In including the extension; Jesus also tells us

A) loving others is hard without loving Ourselves

loving God is best demonstrated through wholehearted service TO others and to ourselves

That’s not just the J-O-Y Principle, it’s also helping us move past Self-absorption (ie both Selfishness and Self-loathing) in our love-acts to God.

Now, there’s a tricky, little overlooked word in the nougat. It might not be in all versions but it’s worth noting. Moses says: God only requires that we … fear, live, love and serve. In my context, only usually suggests that the request is minimal or reasonable. Those are Four major asks from the One Who created us, heals us, guides us when we’re lost, and became human so that he would die for us to forgives our sins. That sounds like a reasonable ask to me.

So, what now?

Time to put Love in action.

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May all we seek be found in Christ