Matthew 11:28-30
Then Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 12:33-37 (Jesus replies to Pharisees)
“A tree is identified by it’s fruit. If a tree is good, it’s fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, it’s fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak of what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from a treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Response: The core definition of love is embedded in Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11. He’s extending his arms to us when he says, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” At the core of Jesus’ heart is a passionate determination to give those he loves a kind of rest that allows us to fully relax.
In contrast, look what he says to the Pharisees, the religious leaders of that time.
What do you think he is saying to us in these two paragraphs?
That if you are a good person you will love everyone no matter how they may be. If you are a bad person you will only love yourself. If you love yourself and no one else you will be lonely. Love yourself and everyone around you.
Try to love more