Love God and Neighbor
In his book Sources of Strength, former President Jimmy Carter wrote about interviewing Eloy Cruz, a Cuban pastor, who had gained tremendous respect among poor immigrants from Puerto Rico. Carter asked him, “What is the secret to your success?” Pastor Cruz replied, “Señor Jimmy, we need to have only two loves for our lives, love for God, and love for the person who happens to be in front of us at any time.”
I love that! I have a friend whose spiritual disciple is to try to see the image of God in every person she meets: cashiers, waiters, teachers, strangers, etc. Think about how that would change our interactions, how we listen, how we speak.
Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. And, the second is like it, to love your neighbor as yourself. He went on to say that these two commandments are the sum of all the law and the prophets.
Let us pray: Loving and Gracious God, help us to love you with all our heart. And help us to love whichever person happens to be standing in front of us at any point in time.
Today we pray for people who serve us regularly, nurses, men and women in the military, firefighters, teachers, doctors, police officers, and other public servants. We also pray for those who serve behind the scenes, and for those we most often forget. May your blessing rain down on them, we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
