Most of us are familiar with the two greatest commandments, as the Gospel of Matthew tells us: “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
These two basic laws are the foundation of Christianity and of living a life of a steward. After all, giving of our time, talent and treasure without love would result in a life of empty and meaningless responses to God’s law. Love is what makes them truly worthy.
When we think about loving others, we are often first reminded of our family and friends. God, however, doesn’t want us to stop there. Writer G.K. Chesterton reminds us of the true call to love our neighbor: “Love means to love that which is unlovable; or it is no virtue at all,” he writes.
As Chesterton points out, we are called to love all, even those with whom we don’t get along. As stewards during this Year of Faith, we should remember this virtue and embrace all those we encounter in our daily lives, not just our family and friends. As stewards, it’s a great way to truly love both God and your neighbor.
