The Heart Of Religion Is Loving God And Neighbour 

In Mark 12:29-31, a scribe asks Jesus, “Which commandment is the most important?” Jesus replies, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 22:37-40 records a similar exchange, where Jesus condenses the Law into these two commands.

In Luke 10:25-37, a lawyer asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus shares the parable of the Good Samaritan, showing that everyone in need is our neighbor, regardless of background or beliefs.

Jesus teaches us that religion is not about:

* Following rules to earn brownie points with God

* Judging others for their beliefs or lack thereof

* Building walls between ourselves and those different from us

True religion is about:

* Loving God with our whole being

* Loving our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of differences

* Showing compassion, kindness, and mercy to all.