And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
Let’s break this down. For all of you who like to look at the pieces of a puzzle.
The word ‘love’ here in the Greek is ἀγαπάω / agapaó meaning properly, to prefer, to love; for the believer, preferring to “live through Christ” , i.e. embracing God’s will (choosing His choices) and obeying them through His power. (agapáō) preeminently refers to what God prefers as He “is love”. The is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. This fruit is GIVEN and implanted into us by God. So we are to use what God has given to us and return it to Him in these ways… via with our heart, soul, strength, and mind.
The word ‘heart’ here in the Greek is καρδία, ας, ἡ / kardia meaning heart; “the affective center of our being” and the capacity of moral preference; “desire-producer that makes us tick”, i.e our “desire-decisions” that establish who we really are. Interesting note: [Heart 2558 /kardía) is mentioned over 800 times in Scripture, but never referring to the literal physical pump that drives the blood. That is, “heart” is only used figuratively (both in the OT and NT.] This is the very center of our being — and also includes our will / decision making ability. Could this be part of the makeup of our spirit?
The word ‘soul’ here in the Greek is ψυχή, ῆς, ἡ / psuché meaning soul (psyche); a person’s distinct identity (unique personhood), i.e. individual personality. 5590 (psyxē) corresponds exactly to the OT 5315 /phágō (“soul”). The soul is the direct aftermath of God breathing (blowing) His gift of life into a person, making them an ensouled being. So here is lies a mystery and the difference between the spirit and soul definitions of a person. The spirit and soul of an individual seem to overlap in certain areas, and I wonder what the real boundaries are?
The word ‘strength’ here in the Greek is ἰσχύς, ύος, ἡ / ischus meaning properly, force to overcoming immediate resistance. This to me is a reference to the self discipline within our body. Gathering all that we have within our body to overcome the resistance that goes against what God is asking of us. Basically our spirit ruling over our body and fleshly nature, and making our strength align with God’s wishes for us.
The word ‘mind’ here in the Greek is διάνοια, ας, ἡ / dianoia meaning (“critical thinking”), literally “thorough reasoning,” incorporates both sides of a matter to reach a meaningful (personal) conclusion. Such “full-breadth reasoning” is essential to loving ( 25 /agapáō) the Lord and our neighbor. It is also the instrument of self-destruction when exercised without God’s light and power. This is our power to reason and think. This also reminds me of Paul’s admonition to ‘take every thought captive to Christ’ (2 Cor 10:5).
Obviously this command encompasses the entire being and every part of an individual. God first and then horizontally to others. How is this to be done? It will ONLY be accomplished through the power and direction of the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts must align with His wishes and the Holy Spirit tells us what those are. Our soul and emotions as well must be in line with the Holy Spirit when it comes to expressing love that which God has deposited within us. How do you know what you have from God if not explained by the Holy Spirit to you? How will you accomplish ANY of this properly if you are not instructed by the Holy Spirit? The fruit of self control from the Holy Spirit guides us how to use our strength properly.
And then our minds must be aligned with His Truth. This will only happen through the tutelage and education via the Holy Spirit within you. If you receive it (education) ANY other way it will only be the from the wisdom of man and not of God. What is required to actually carry out this command? If it is not through the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit’s power then we will fall greatly short every time in our efforts.
Have you even thought about this ‘command’, and if you are even attempting to carry it out? Have you even considered how it should be done? How much surrender to God does it really take to even attempt to carry this out… correctly?
Do you take this command lightly? Do you think God takes this command lightly?
Are you brave enough to ask God / Holy Spirit where you are missing it with this command? Which areas within you need to come in line?
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Note: learn to use the website / app called Biblehub. It is a digital seminary type of library resource at your fingertips. I use to have an entire bookcase of theological books — and they didn’t even cover nearly what is contained in this digital free resource.