When Jesus was asked the greatest commandment, He quickly identified the one that the people of God had known for centuries: "To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." And He reminded us of a second one that is equal in importance: "Love your neighbor as yourself." For 2,000 years, Christians have been trying to live those out. With mixed results.

Our prisons are filled with people whose families have given up on them. Yet church can sometimes be not much better. It's often said that the Army of God is the only Army in the world where we shoot our own wounded. We see families where members are not talking with each other. Author Stephen Covey once said that the love a parent shows to the most unlovable child speaks volumes to the rest of the family. Loving others is going to take a lot more than just trying harder. It takes spiritual power that is beyond our very human capabilities.

If we teach nothing else in our churches, we should teach the love of Jesus Christ, a love that spills over into every relationship.

Join me on our journey on "40 Days of Love" by Rick Warren this Lenten season, beginning Sun. Feb. 26 both in Sunday morning worship and in our new Sunday night Lenten home study groups.

Love truly conquers all.

I love you,