The answer is: God and your neighbour

Luke 10:25-26

Isn't it fascinating how, in a world filled with distractions, Jesus boils down the essence of life and relationships to two straightforward commandments? In Luke 10:25-26, when posed with the question of what is most important, He puts God and our neighbors at the forefront. This pairing echoes throughout many texts in the Bible and aligns beautifully with what we often see in the prophetic call to live justly and with compassion for others.

Marvel at the context! This exchange occurs as Jesus is approached by a lawyer, a person skilled at debate, who tries to trap Him with questions about eternal life. Surprisingly, instead of a complex theological discourse, Jesus showcases a beautiful simplicity, reminding us that loving God fuels our relationship with others. The relationship is symbiotic—divine love translates into compassionate action towards others.

The notion of “neighbor” in Jewish tradition was broad, extending beyond mere acquaintance or community member to include everyone, even those whom we might find hard to love. Think of the Good Samaritan parable—which flips expectations on their head—proving compassion knows no boundaries.

Fun fact: the heart of this two-part command is similar to those found in many ancient cultures, hinting at a universal understanding of ethics tied to our shared humanity. So, how about we make a conscious effort to embody this love in our daily lives? After all, who couldn’t use a bit more compassion and kindness in this world?