I wonder what Jesus would want for a birthday present if he came to my house for dinner tonight? Would he want an iPhone? Would he want a new computer? Or maybe he wants a new pair of shoes?
If I made him a birthday cake would he want chocolate or vanilla? And how many candles would I have to put on the cake?
What do you think Jesus would say if I asked him, “What do you want for your birthday?”
I think he would say:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus– Matthew 22:36-39, in the Bible
Some days I would rather buy God a pair of socks than love him with all my heart, soul and mind.
And what does that mean anyway? Does it mean I have to think about him all the time? Or be a missionary to China? Or read my Bible every day?
And I don’t always want to love my neighbor as myself. I would rather complain about my neighbor’s dog barking than be gracious.
Well, if that is what Jesus wants for his birthday I will learn what it means to love God with all my heart, soul and mind.
And I will love my neighbor as myself. Oh, that means I have to actually like myself first. No more comparing myself to others, or complaining when I look in the mirror. No more hating myself when I yell at my children, or accidentally pass gas in the grocery store. I will be as forgiving to myself as I am to my friends when they make mistakes. It is easier to love my neighbor than it is to love myself.
I just asked my husband Nick, “What do you think it means to love God with all your heart, soul and mind?”
“You’re asking me? I think it means to put God before everything else.”
“What do you it means to love your neighbor as yourself Nick?”
“I don’t know. All I can think of is something trite… If you don’t love yourself than how are you suppose to love others?”
“I like that Nick. That makes sense.”
And you?
What do you think? How do you love God with all your heart, soul and mind? And how do you love your neighbor as yourself?
Please tell me in the comments. I would love to learn more about loving God.
And, before I go and wash the dishes and clean the seven litter boxes. Will you sing Happy Birthday to Jesus with me?
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday dear Jesus.
Happy Birthday to you.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for reading my stories.
p.s.
If you would like me to pray for something for you. Please respond to this post in your email if you are a subscriber, or email me: phodges@gmail.com. I will won’t tell anyone your secrets, not even to my cat.
Disclaimer: (But if you robbed a bank, or broke the law, I will have to tell.)
