Although
my culinary skills remain undeveloped, occasionally I use a box of premixed
ingredients to make a cake. After adding eggs, vegetable oil, and water, I stir
it all together. To bake a palate-pleasing cake, it’s vital to have the correct
balance of the right ingredients. That helps me picture the relationship of the
greatest commandment (Matt. 22:36-38) and the
Great Commission (28:19-20) as we spread the gospel.
When
Jesus told His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, He did not
give them permission to be rude and uncaring as they did so. His own citing of
the “first and great commandment”—to love God with all your heart, soul, and
mind—was quickly followed by the call to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39).
Throughout the New Testament, we find this model of compassionate, respectful
living restated many places, including “the love chapter” (1 Cor. 13) and
Peter’s instruction to give a reason for the hope within us “with gentleness and
respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV).
In our
eagerness to share Christ with others, we must always include a healthy balance
of those two ingredients—the true gospel and godly love. This wonderfully sweet
cake bakes best in the warmth of God’s love.
They
witness best who witness with their lives. (RBC)
