Lesson 12.Love and Justice: The Two Greatest Commandments
Love and Justice – God’s Highest Calling
Love and justice are the central values that run throughout the entire Bible. Jesus himself summarized the law in two commandments: to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–39). These commandments are inseparable – whoever loves God will also love their fellow human beings and strive for justice.
Yet, human history shows that this is often neglected. Idolatry and lovelessness are among the greatest sins because they destroy the relationship with God and with others. The prophets repeatedly called for repentance, advocating for mercy and social justice. Jesus also lived and taught that true piety is not just about prayers and rituals but is expressed in active love for others and a commitment to justice.
This lesson challenges us to examine our own lives:
✔ Where does my heart belong – to God or to other “idols”?
✔ Am I truly a neighbor to those around me?
✔ Do I actively stand up for justice, or do I overlook injustice?
Faith without love is empty. This lesson invites us not only to consider love and justice as theories but to consciously live them out in our daily lives – just as Jesus showed us.
12.1 The Two Greatest Commandments
Love for God and People as the Foundation of Our Lives
Read Matthew 22:34–40. How does Jesus answer the question of the teacher of the law?
Jesus’ response to the teacher of the law reveals that love is the foundation of God’s commandments. Love for God and love for one’s neighbor are not merely two separate commandments but the very essence of the entire law. Jesus makes it clear that true justice and a life pleasing to God emerge from this love.
These two commandments are inseparably linked: Whoever truly loves God will also love their neighbor—and vice versa. Love for God is not only expressed in worship and prayer but also in how we treat others. At the same time, love for one’s neighbor finds its deepest meaning when it flows from love for God.
Interestingly, Jesus quotes these commandments from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18). This demonstrates that God’s will has remained the same throughout history: He calls us to live in a relationship of love with Him and with our fellow human beings.
The challenge for us today is to put these commandments into practice in everyday life. How can we reflect God’s love in tangible ways? How can we advocate for justice? It starts with small decisions—kindness, forgiveness, helpfulness, and the courage to stand for truth and righteousness.
Ultimately, Jesus calls us to go beyond legal requirements and to root our lives in love. This is not merely a theoretical teaching but a practical lifestyle that should shape our thinking, speaking, and actions.
Read Matthew 19:16–23. How are Jesus’ responses to the rich young man in this passage connected to His answer to the teacher of the law in Matthew 22?
The encounter between Jesus and the rich young man (Matthew 19:16–23) is closely linked to His response to the teacher of the law in Matthew 22:34–40. Both situations center around the nature of the law and the path to eternal life—and in both cases, Jesus reveals the core of the law: Love for God and love for one’s neighbor.
What happened here?
The young man in Matthew 19 sought a specific action that would secure him eternal life. Jesus first points him to the Ten Commandments, particularly those that deal with interpersonal relationships. But when the man insists that he has already kept these commandments, Jesus challenges him to sell everything he owns and give it to the poor. This was a test—was he truly willing to live out the second greatest commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” without compromise?
Here lies the connection to Matthew 22: Love for God and love for others is not just a theoretical concept—it requires concrete actions. For this man, it meant giving up his wealth and helping others. However, he could not part with his possessions. His heart clung more to material things than to God.
Why did Jesus give him this answer?
Jesus saw that the man’s wealth was his greatest spiritual barrier. His outward religious observance masked an inner reliance on his possessions rather than on God. By instructing him to give everything away, Jesus exposed the true state of his heart.
This challenge applies not only to him but to all people, regardless of social status or material wealth:
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Examine the heart – Each of us may have things that unconsciously separate us from God, whether wealth, career, recognition, or personal ambitions.
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Put love into action – True love is not just words or religious duties but selfless devotion to God and others.
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Let go of personal “wealth” – Jesus calls us to release anything—material, emotional, or spiritual—that weakens our relationship with God.
What does this mean for us?
Jesus’ words challenge us to evaluate our hearts: What is the one thing that keeps us from fully loving God?
For some, it is money; for others, pride, comfort, or fear.
Ultimately, this is not just about external commandments but about complete devotion to God. Only when we are willing to let go of our “treasures” can we truly be free—free to love God with all our hearts and to treat our neighbors as Jesus did.
Even if we are not all called to sell everything we own like the rich young man, what might we cling to that could lead to our eternal ruin if we do not let it go?
The story of the rich young man shows that it is not only material wealth that can separate us from God. Every person has something they hold onto—whether possessions, personal ambitions, specific relationships, or deeply rooted fears. The key question is:
What takes up the space in my heart that rightfully belongs to God?
Here are some common obstacles that can become spiritual dangers if not surrendered:
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Material wealth and financial security – Not only extreme riches but also the desire for financial security can weaken our trust in God.
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Pride and self-will – The need to control everything, always be right, or never admit mistakes can make us resistant to God’s guidance.
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Fear and worry – When we cling to fears or insecurities, it can be hard to truly trust God.
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Relationships or social acceptance – When the fear of losing people’s approval is greater than our love for God, we may struggle to follow Him fully.
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Sinful habits – Things like envy, bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, greed, or unhealthy lifestyles can keep us from experiencing God’s love.
What can we do?
The Bible urges us to let go of everything that separates us from God (Hebrews 12:1-2). This doesn’t mean becoming poor or withdrawing from the world, but rather examining our hearts:
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What is more important to me than God?
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What am I afraid to let go of?
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What prevents me from fully trusting God?
In the end, it comes down to a heart decision: Are we willing to put God first in everything? If so, He will help us let go—and bless us with true freedom, deep love, and a life filled with purpose.
The two greatest commandments—love for God and love for our neighbor—are not just spiritual principles but should shape our daily lives and faith. They serve as the foundation for our thoughts, actions, and decisions. But what does this look like in everyday life?
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Love for God as a Life Foundation
In Matthew 22:37, Jesus commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This means that our relationship with God should not be based on traditions or duties but on deep, genuine love.
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In daily life, this means:
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Taking time for prayer and Bible study to know God better.
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Honoring God not just on Sundays but in every decision and situation.
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Trusting God, even in difficult circumstances.
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Love for God is reflected not only in personal spirituality but also in how we live—whether in our careers, families, or relationships.
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Love for Others in Practical Life
Jesus makes it clear: Our love for God is demonstrated in how we treat others. The story of the rich young man in Matthew 19:16–23 shows that true love requires concrete actions.
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In daily life, this means:
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Kindness and patience – Choosing to be gentle and understanding, even in stressful moments.
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Forgiveness and reconciliation – Treating others as Jesus would, even when it’s difficult.
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Helping those in need – Caring not just about ourselves but actively supporting others.
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Final Thought: A Lifestyle of Love
The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 22 and 19 are not just theological ideas but a direct call to live our faith daily. Love for God and love for our neighbor should be the standard for all our actions.
✅ Examine our hearts—are there things that separate us from God?
✅ Live out love—through words and actions.
✅ Let God transform us—so His love fills us and flows through us to others.
True love for God is revealed in how we treat our fellow human beings.
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