In the 1990s we started seeing bracelets with the letters WWJD appearing. These letters stood for “What Would Jesus Do?”, and many wore them as a reminder to think about their actions throughout their daily living. When dealing with others or before making decisions, they would stop to ask God how Jesus would handle the situation.

This popular Christian motto actually made an appearance in one of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons in 1881, so it is not a new thought. Since then, it has made its way into books and movies, onto shirts and posters, and on the ever-popular bracelets.

So let’s look in God’s word to see what Jesus would do. In Mark chapter 12 we find some teachers of the law debating with Jesus. One asked in verse 28, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” The answer tells us what Jesus would do.

Jesus says in verses 30-31: “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” Matthew 22:40 adds: The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

From the beginning of time, God’s most important commandments are to love God and love others. The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5, are based on these two. The first four commandments tell us to love God first and foremost. 

We are to have no other gods before the Lord our God, and make no idols or images to bow to or worship. We are not to misuse the name of the Lord, and He commands us to keep the Sabbath day holy by dedicating it to resting in the Lord.

The last six commandments tell us how we are to love others. We are to honor our parents, don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie to falsely testify against others, and don’t covet others’ homes, spouses, servants, animals, or anything they own. Throughout the Bible we see many laws and commands that echo these, telling us how to best love God and others.

Even though many Christians know about God and read His word, it is hard to find those who practice loving the Lord with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength. This requires actively pursuing a daily, intimate relationship with the Lord in prayer, Bible study and time spent in His presence. 

As far as loving others as we love ourselves, this world doesn’t look too loving right now. Wherever we look, we see hatred, disunity, division, disrespect, suspicion and fear. We see Republicans vs. Democrats, liberals vs. conservatives, Jews vs. Palestinians, blacks vs. whites, and every other color, race, and nationality in between in conflict. 

I have heard teaching that we cannot have truly loving relationships with others until we have a right, loving relationship with God. As we strive to love God first and receive His love, it is this fountain of His love flowing through us that will enable us to love others.

As many will be buying cards, flowers or candy for special loved ones this week, let’s also try to include others who might need our love. Let’s begin to do what Jesus would do – Love God and Love Others.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.