For the whole Torah can be summed up in a single saying: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14, TLV

Many folks think that Jesus put aside the Law — the Torah — but He didn’t (Matthew 5:17). In fact, He quoted His Father’s instructions about the Torah, from the Torah: “You are not to take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am Adonai.” (Leviticus 19:18, TLV, Emphasis Mine.)

When a Torah scholar approached Yeshua to ask Him questions — which, by the way, wasn’t a bad thing — I love Mark’s account.

One of the Torah scholars came and heard them debating. Seeing that Yeshua had answered them well, he asked Him, “Which commandment is first of all?”

Yeshua answered, “The first is, ‘Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. And you shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31, TLV)

So, what does that all mean? It means from the beginning our Heavenly Father wanted us to love Him and love each other. When we truly comprehend this, when it becomes our motivation for our actions, something changes. We become who our Dad intended us to be.

Does this mean He expects us to be perfect? Never sinning? I’m sure He’d love that, but because He knows we’re dust (Psalm 103:14), He doesn’t expect it from us. He has a Son who is. He does want us to keep trying and learning — and when we fail, keep repenting and accepting His love and forgiveness.

It all sounds so simple, doesn’t it. Sigh. Yet, we need constant reminding: Love God. Love each other.

Shabbat shalom! Love you!