The Law is often considered as a good regulation helping people live practical, social lives. The Jews, however, had a broader concept of their Law - the Law arose from Yahweh’s relationship with them and therefore Yahweh’s actions of caring for people, ought also to be the actions of His people. Thus Yahweh’s instructions to his people in the first reading aren’t just about being good, it’s about being like Yahweh.

No wonder, then, that when the Pharisees ask Jesus about which is the greatest commandment, He joins together two well-known commands of the Mosaic Law. Only in giving oneself to others in love can one understand God’s relationship with us in Jesus – He GAVE HIMSELF to us!

Paul’s criteria in measuring the effectiveness of his preaching to the Thessalonians and their subsequent reception of God’s word, is a very practical one – the sort of reception he received from them!

The way we receive and deal with one another is a clear indication of the way we will receive and deal with God’s Word.

Want to know how you’re faring with God? Check your relationship with others!