One of the legal experts heard their dispute and saw how well Jesus answered them. He came over and asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus replied, “The most important one is Israel, listen! Our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You will love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31
Prayer
God of compassion, who cares for us with the tender love of a mother nursing her young, help us to care for ourselves with the same mercy and gentleness that you offer us. Help us to speak words of maturity, wisdom, and kindness toward ourselves. Let our cup so overflow with self-love that we spread it to others, encouraging them to love themselves as your divine image bearers. Amen.
Hymn
God Will Take Care of You
African American Heritage Hymnal, #137
Benediction
You have been reminded that you were created by God, whose love and mercy know no end, who spoke creation into existence, and who has given you the power of love in both word and deed. May you be so filled with compassion and love for yourself that it overflows and touches all with whom you come into contact. Amen.