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When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, His response revealed something profound about how we're meant to live. He didn't just give one commandment - He gave two that work together as the foundation for all of life.

What Are the Two Greatest Commandments?

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus said: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Notice that Jesus said the second commandment is "like" the first. This means they have the same role and importance in our lives. They're not separate things - they're inseparable.

Why Can't You Honor People Without First Honoring God?

You cannot honor people if you do not honor God. You simply don't have the capacity to honor others until you learn to honor God first. This is foundational to understanding how relationships work in God's kingdom.

Additionally, you can't honor others until you learn to honor yourself. When you honor yourself - understanding your identity and worth in God - you create healthy boundaries. You can't hang out with people who are two-faced, double-talking, or constantly draining your energy. If you don't honor yourself enough to have boundaries, you'll never reach your God-given potential.

How Do the Ten Commandments Relate to Love and Honor?

The Ten Commandments were written on two tablets, and this structure is significant. When Jesus summarized all the law and prophets in two commandments, He was pointing to these two tablets:

Tablet One (Love for God):

  • No other gods
  • No idols
  • Don't misuse God's name
  • Keep the Sabbath
  • Honor your father and mother

 

Tablet Two (Love for People):

 

  • Don't murder
  • Don't commit adultery
  • Don't steal
  • Don't lie
  • Don't covet

The Commandments Mirror Each Other

Each commandment on the first tablet echoes one on the second tablet:

  • No other gods mirrors don't murder - both protect the source of life
  • No idols mirrors don't commit adultery - both deal with faithfulness in covenant
  • Don't misuse God's name mirrors don't steal - both protect what belongs to another
  • Keep Sabbath mirrors don't bear false witness - both call us to live in truth
  • Honor parents mirrors don't covet - both respect the structure God has given

What's the Difference Between Love and Honor

Love and honor are not the same thing, but they're inseparable.

Love is a covenant commitment. It's sacrificial and volitional - a choice, not just an emotion. God didn't love His people because they were the prettiest, best, biggest, or grandest. He loved them because He chose to love them.

Honor is about esteem or value. It means to give weight to someone's presence or position. The Hebrew word "kabed" means to make heavy - to treat with significance. Honor is the currency of the kingdom.

 

Can You Love Someone Without Honoring Them?

Yes, you can love someone without honoring them. God spoke through Isaiah about people who "honor me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from me." You can say the right words but not truly honor someone with your heart and actions.

This is why the command to honor your father and mother is so powerful. It's not about their perfection - it's about their position. Honor is not about how you feel; like love, it's about how you choose to live.

What Does This Look Like in Real Life?

David's relationship with King Saul provides a powerful example. Even though David was anointed to be king and Saul repeatedly tried to kill him, David refused to harm Saul when he had the opportunity.

David understood that honoring Saul was honoring God. He trusted God's timing, respected God's choice, and wouldn't bypass the process to get his own way. Sometimes the people who press us most are the very tools God uses to prepare us for what's next.

How Do We Set Boundaries While Still Loving and Honoring?

Honor is not a license for abuse, and love is not permission for passivity. We're commanded to test the spirits, avoid divisive people, and expose works of darkness.

David honored Saul but kept his distance. He confronted him with respect and set boundaries with humility. When people operate from evil intent, carnality, or rebellion, we must discern whether they're of God. You don't have to stay in covenant with someone who refuses to yield to God's Spirit, but you're still called to love and honor the God who made them.

Why Does God Want Us to Honor Him With Our First Fruits?

We tithe not just because we love God, but because we honor God with our first fruits. This isn't about showing off - it's about our connection to honoring God. As we honor God, He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings we don't have room to receive. The blessing is so great that it extends to our children and grandchildren.

Life Application

This week, examine your relationships through the lens of love and honor. Choose one relationship where you've been struggling and ask yourself: Am I honoring God first in this situation? Am I setting healthy boundaries while still showing love? Am I trusting God's timing instead of trying to bypass His process?

 

Remember that love and honor are not weaknesses - they're weapons in the hands of the righteous. When you love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, the joy of the Lord becomes your strength.

Questions for Reflection:

  • In what areas of your life do you need to establish better boundaries while still showing love?
  • How can you honor God more fully in your private moments when no one is watching?
  • What processes might God be taking you through that you've been trying to shortcut?
  • Who in your life needs to see more honor from you, even if they're difficult to love?