1. Love God with all your heart (1-11)

The LORD God, who had delivered the Israelites out of bondage, was the author of the Ten Commandments. The first four governed the people's relationship with God. The people must not have other gods nor make an idol for themselves nor misuse God's name. They must keep the Sabbath day holy. By obeying these commandments God hoped that his people would know him deeply. The LORD God is a jealous God. He punishes disobedience but blesses obedience. His name is great. He sets aside one day a week for us to honor him and know him better.

2. Love your neighbor as yourself (11-21)

In the latter six commandments, God commands his people to honor their parents, not to murder, not to commit adultery nor steal nor lie about our neighbor. God's people must also not covet. Jesus expanded the meaning of some of these in Matthew 5 to include motive. Though mostly expressed in the negative, when we obey these commandments as God intended, we can grow from selfish people into people who can treat others and what belongs to them with dignity and respect.


Application: Father, help me to obey the commandments and come to know and love you better and to love others as you have loved me.
One Word: Obey God's word