Read Mark 12:28-34

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (Mark 12:30 NLT).

In the bustling literary landscape of 19th century England, a poet named Leigh Hunt penned a tale that would resonate with readers for generations to come. “Abou Ben Adhem” tells the story of a humble man whose love for his fellow humans ultimately reflected his love for God. This poetic narrative, written in 1834 during the Romantic era, stands out not only for its literary merit but also for its respectful and non-stereotypical portrayal of an Arab character – a refreshing departure from the prevalent Orientalist views of the time.

The story unfolds with Abou Ben Adhem awakening to find an angel writing in a golden book. Upon inquiry, he learns that the angel is recording the names of those who love God. Discovering his name absent from the list, Abou humbly requests to be written down as “one who loves his fellow men.” The next night, the angel returns, revealing that Abou’s name now leads the list of those blessed by God’s love.

This simple yet profound tale beautifully parallels Jesus’ teachings in Mark 12:28-34. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus emphasizes the dual mandate of loving God and loving one’s neighbor. The story of Abou Ben Adhem illustrates that these two commandments are intrinsically linked – that our love for others is a profound expression of our love for God.

In our modern world, where divisions often seem insurmountable, both Hunt’s poem and Jesus’ words challenge us to look beyond labels, stereotypes, and differences. They remind us that true spirituality is not just about religious observance, but about how we treat our fellow human beings. Whether it’s extending kindness to a stranger, showing compassion to those different from us, or actively working for justice and equality, these acts of neighborly love are, in essence, acts of devotion to God.

As we seek to deepen our devotional lives, we can draw inspiration from both Abou Ben Adhem and Jesus’ teachings. Finding the best time for your devotions is crucial. Determine when you’re most alert and receptive. For some, it’s early morning; for others, it might be during a lunch break or in the evening. Consistency is key, so choose a time you can stick to regularly. Create a sacred space by designating a quiet, comfortable area for your devotions. This could be a corner of your bedroom, a favorite chair, or even a peaceful spot outdoors.

Start with Scripture. Begin by reading the Bible. Choose a translation you understand and consider using a reading plan to guide you through different books or themes. Reflect and pray. Take time to ponder what you’ve read. Ask yourself how it applies to your life and pray for God’s guidance in understanding and applying God’s Word. Journaling your thoughts can help solidify what you’re learning and provide a record of your spiritual journey.

Incorporate worship. Include some form of worship in your devotional time, whether it’s singing, listening to worship music, or simply offering words of praise. Apply what you learn. Look for ways to put into practice the lessons you glean from your devotional time. Like Abou Ben Adhem, seek to express your love for God through your actions towards others. Be patient and persistent. Building a meaningful devotional life takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you miss a day or if your mind wanders. Simply start again the next day.

Remember, the goal of your devotional time is not to check off a religious duty, but to deepen your relationship with God and, by extension, with those around you. As you cultivate this practice, you may find, like Abou Ben Adhem, that your love for others becomes a powerful testament to your love for God.

In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, let us be inspired by both the fictional Abou and the very real teachings of Jesus to love God wholeheartedly and to express that love through our care for others. This love beyond labels challenges us to see past superficial differences and connect with the inherent worth of every individual. May our devotional lives not be confined to quiet moments of reading and prayer, but may they overflow into every interaction, transforming our communities with the love of God.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Our love for others is the clearest reflection of our love for God.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to see Your image in every person we encounter, and to love them as You love us. May our devotion to You be evident in our actions towards others. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.