Jesus replied, “‘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.’ All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 NIV

Rules and commandments are kind of the same. Things we should do, or not do, to live our lives. Do you have rules at school? At home? The Bible also has rules to help us live good lives. Do you know the 10 commandments, or at least a few of them?

But what if I told you that Jesus says that there are really only two rules we need to follow to live a great life? Would you be willing to follow just two rules? In the above verses, Jesus is telling everyone listening, and all of us, that out of all the commandments and rules in the Bible, that there are really only two that are the most important to follow.

Jesus says that first, we should love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind. And second  that we should love others just like we love ourselves. That’s it! Jesus makes life simpler for us with just two commands. But these two commands cover so much.

Loving God…
I’ll love my Father God by reading and knowing His word,
Attending a church or Sunday school where His truth is heard.
I’ll put God first at the start of the day asking Him to guide my way.
I’ll talk to Him at night, sharing my troubles and praises as I pray.

Loving others…
If I love others like Jesus did, I’ll be helpful, caring, and joyful and kind.
I’ll see others as God sees them, loved and created, beautifully designed.
I’ll befriend those around me, sharing God’s love and laughter and smiles.
Lending a hand, a gentle word, a hope-filled cheer, and comfort in trials.

When we love God, love ourselves and love others, then all the other rules just fall into place. Think about some of the rules at school or home. Look at each rule and think about if you truly loved God and others, wouldn’t you be following the rules?

This week choose to start practicing these two commandments that Jesus gives us. Talk about them with your parents. How can you all love the Lord your God better? Who could you choose to love better? What does choosing to live a life with love look like? Live it and see!

Blessings as you live a life with love!