Before time began, God was. Infinite and perfect. Existing outside of time, but defining time. Then, in an absolutely controlled moment of chaos, He spoke everything into existence. All beauty and beast and light and life.
Galaxies upon galaxies; infinite upon infinite.
AND THEN! Mankind. Lovingly crafted in the image of that universe creator. Made in “Our” likeness. The first words about humans are words from God’s mouth, placing infinite value on his special mammals.
I spent the last year living in Seattle, where I worked with, served, and loved, a big ol’ mess of humans. More than any other time in my life, I was immersed in an unapologetically raw, vulnerable, and often dirty, expression of humanity. It was life changing. Exposed to very visible brokenness, I walked away with a better understanding of the redemptive power of people loving people like we were commanded to. The type of love that we’re called to is the most powerful of equalizers. There is no room for “us” or “them” in a love that says, “Love your neighbor as your self.”
When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus gave two answers. Either Jesus was bad at math, or He meant exactly what he said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” I see Jesus making two very intentional points here:
1. Earlier in Matthew, Jesus says that he has come to fulfill the law and the prophets; here, we see how that happens: love. Don’t miss how huge this is! The law, which existed to help people stay in right standing with God, was fulfilled by love: the love of Jesus as evidenced by his life and death; and the love of man for God and fellow man.
2. Another statement that shows the value that has been placed on humans! I believe that “love God” and “love your neighbor” are the same commandment. Not because man is equal to God, but because love for God cannot exist without love for neighbor also existing! Jesus had every right to say that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God, and leave it at that. The fact that he didn’t – that He added the second part – offers a glimpse into the incredible value God has placed on people.
The most Christ-like thing we can do is to sacrificially love our fellow man. As followers of Jesus, and emulators of Him, we have a clear call to love our neighbor. Even to death. What a beautiful calling. How incredible that God has invited us in to the act of love. How humbling.
The world needs your love. People are valuable. It’s time to act.
-Clark
Clark's Note: There is no room for “us” or “them” in a love that says, “Love your neighbor as your self.”
This was a guest post done by my good friend, Clark Schofield, whom I met in Seattle in the Serve Seattle program. Big thanks to him for contributing to Cliff Notes on a topic that needs to be addressed more. His God-given passion and love for people are a blessing to all he comes in contact with.