by Anthony N. Wade

Our first commandment is to love The Lord. Then Jesus makes an astonishing statement.
Jesus said that the second commandment is to love your neighbor… AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF. In essence the same care that I would have for my neighbor I need to have for myself. The foundation of my love for my neighbor begins with my love for myself. If you don't really love you, how can you love your neighbor?

What is so amazing about this whole transaction is that loving 'The Lord,' and loving my neighbor, and loving myself, are all commandments. Let's face it, the way that we treat others is only a reflection of the way that we treat ourselves. The love that I have for others, is only an expression of the love that I have for myself, and ultimately, 'The Lord'. All are commandments.

To some people love for one's self, appears to be arrogant, and self-centered. But not so. Let's take another look at the transaction – the commandments. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. Then, my neighbor… AS I LOVE MYSELF. Jesus stated that everything hinges, or swings – has it's existence, on these three commandments. The backdrop of our life is based on how well we implement these three commandments. Why? Because everything else hangs on these three. All of life's accomplishments are based on our love for the Lord, love for ourselves, then love for your neighbor. AWM