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I read an interesting commentary on these verses recently.

All the rest of the commandments in both the Law and the Prophets and really all of the Old Testament were dependent on these two commandments. Why? Because all the other commandments are only extensions of these two, being details of how to fulfill these two. Even the ten commandments are only expansions of these two. If you love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, and mind, then you will not have any other God before Him, make any idol, worship anything else, or take His name in vain. All those things are contrary to loving Him. Instead, you will seek to exalt Him, praise Him and do what He wants you to do. If you love your neighbor as yourself, you will not kill them, steal from them, commit adultery with them, bear false witness against them, covet what they have, and you will even honor your parents. 

Wow! How all-encompassing are the truths and wisdom found in this small portion of Scripture. Now is the time when the practical application of His Word will have an important and eternal impact.

Reflection: Ask God to help you simplify His message into words and deeds that make a difference in the Kingdom.

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