The First and Greatest Commandment
Loving God with all our being is the foundation of all morality and spirituality.
When asked which commandment is greatest, Jesus answers: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' This total love encompasses emotion, will, intellect, and action. Nothing is held back; every dimension of human existence is oriented toward God. This command unifies all other commands—when we truly love God, obedience becomes natural response rather than burdensome duty. Jesus is quoting the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), recited twice daily by observant Jews then and now.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Augustine taught that 'our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee'—total love of God is not restriction but fulfillment of our deepest nature.
Gospel of Mark
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- What Christianity says about love
Asked which command is greatest, Jesus names loving God with heart, soul, mind and strength. The list covers feeling, will, thought and effort, so nothing is left outside it.