12:31Mark 12:31

The verse gives the second of the two greatest commandments, like the command to love God with all the heart, soul, mind and strength, and no other commandment is greater than these two.Ms 63, 1903, par. 15+2 It sums up the last six of the Ten Commandments and contains the whole duty people owe to one another.Lt 179, 1902, par. 17–19+2 This love flows from supreme love to God and cannot be separated from it, for true love to others depends on giving God first place in the heart.Ms 78, 1897, par. 1–3+4 It means caring for a neighbor with the same care as for oneself and seeking his highest good in unselfish, practical service.RH Jan 16, 1913+4 Kept together with wholehearted love for God, it fulfills the law, and doing it is the way to eternal life.Lt 179, 1902, par. 17–19+3

The second command is like the first, to love God with all the heart and soul and mind and strength, commanding love for neighbor with the same care as for self, and there is no other commandment greater than these two, which together define the highest duties and give the foundational principles on which the law and the prophets depend.Ms 63, 1903, par. 15+3 Full love to God joined to love for neighbor in this way is greater than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.Ms 63, 1903, par. 15+3 One who sees this truth is not far from the kingdom of God, and the scribe's agreement with it showed moral courage.Ms 63, 1903, par. 15+1

It was spoken as part of plain, intelligent answers to questions meant to entangle Christ, and those answers brought precious light to the people and sowed seeds of truth.Ms 71, 1897, par. 27 Its principle reaches back to creation, expressing the duty owed to fellow human beings and embracing the last six commandments, and it was stated more explicitly after the fall, when sin had blinded human minds.ST Apr 15, 1875 Together with love for God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, which contains the principles of the first four precepts, it expresses God's law, which is not new and is not holiness created but holiness made known.19MR 182.7 That law is a code of mercy, goodness, and love presenting the character of God to fallen humanity and stating plainly the whole duty of man, declared by lips that will not lie to be holy and just and good.19MR 182.7 Duty to obey it is to be the burden of the last message of mercy to the world, because Christ died to save sinners from their sins and not in their sins, and the warning in Revelation shows the terrible consequence of transgression.19MR 182.7

The command to love one's neighbor as oneself is the second of the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets, joined to love for God with heart and soul and mind and strength.19MR 182.7+3 Love for God contains the principles of the first four precepts, while love for neighbor states the duty toward others in mercy and goodness and love.19MR 182.7+1 Together the two present the whole duty of man in a few words.Lt 179, 1902, par. 17–19

This love to man includes and sums up the last six of the Ten Commandments, which define people's duties to one another.Lt 179, 1902, par. 17–19+3 It is not secondary or optional, but expresses with love for God the one principle of love on which the law and the prophets depend.DA 606.3–5+1 As duty owed to fellow human beings it embraces those six commandments.ST Apr 15, 1875

Together with love to God it presents the whole duty of man in a few words, sums up the religion of Christ, and expresses the comprehensive scope of God's law in its length and breadth and depth and height.Lt 179, 1902, par. 17–19+4 Love fulfills the law, and this unselfish living and service stands opposed to self-love, selfish ambition, and the desire for supremacy.Lt 31, 1891, par. 48–49+2 It is part of God's full claim on every person alongside wholehearted love for God.SLP 17.1

Doing this is what to do to inherit eternal life, for the answer is right and the word stands, this do and thou shalt live.Lt 179, 1902, par. 17–19 Love fulfills the law and gives its divine standard for human character, and falling short of that standard is sin.ST Jul 22, 1913+2 That divine standard exposes all as transgressors of the law and sinners short of the glory of God, with none doing good, the natural heart deceitful and desperately wicked, and human righteousness and human standards fatally failing to meet the claims of high heaven.ST Jun 27, 1911+1

Since all the commandments are summed up in love for God and man, breaking any one of them violates that principle.DA 606.3–5+1 Love for God is shown by obedience to all His commandments.DA 607.1–2 Together the two commands bind all God's commandments into one unified whole, with no precept treated as unimportant or disposable.ST Jan 25, 1899+1 They are eternal principles by which character and obedience are tested, and by which obedience or disobedience is shown.ST Jan 25, 1899+1

Joined to loving God with all the heart and mind and soul and strength, this command requires the whole heart and the strength of the entire being.RH Apr 19, 1870+1 It leaves no chance to love and serve self and no allowance to divert affection and interest to the world and worldly things.RH Apr 19, 1870 It is an entire surrender requiring separation from the world and the things of the world, and it cannot be replaced by partial worship or a heart devoted to an idol.RH Apr 19, 1870+1

Those who love God supremely show that love through compassion and goodness toward others, expressing His goodness through love and compassion.ST Jan 25, 1899+1 This gives more than acknowledgment of truth or ceremonial worship or offering sacrifices, and offers God the full service He requires.ST Jan 25, 1899+1 This obedience is a faith that works through love and purifies the soul.Ms 78, 1897, par. 4–5

Loving one's neighbor as oneself is like loving God supremely because it flows from and is founded and rests upon that love, and love for God with all the heart, soul, mind, might and strength produces this love.Ms 78, 1897, par. 1–3+4 Together these two are the greatest commandments, greater than all burnt offerings and sacrifices, expressing the principle on which the law and the prophets depend.Ms 78, 1897, par. 1–3+3 Loving a neighbor as oneself is not secondary or optional, for it sums up the last six commandments which define duties to one another, and breaking any commandment violates that principle of love.DA 606.3–5+1 The scribe's agreement with this truth showed moral courage and brought him near the kingdom of God.ST Sep 22, 1898 This love proves itself by caring for a neighbor with the same care as for self and striving for his highest good.Lt 13, 1890, par. 13–15+1

For a physician this means using personal influence over the sick to set Jesus before them as healer of body and soul, leading them to behold Christ instead of worshiping the human agent.Lt 13, 1890, par. 13–15+1 It means turning their thoughts, praise, gratitude and love to God as the Source of all mercy, power and goodness, taking no praise when the sick are relieved and brought back from death to life.Lt 13, 1890, par. 13–15+1 It means never missing an opportunity to set the Lord before the afflicted and to plant seed that will bear fruit unto holiness to the glory of God.Lt 13, 1890, par. 13–15+1 The two loves cannot be separated, for love for God cannot coexist with breaking the duty to love others, and true love for others depends on giving God first place in the heart.DA 607.1–2 Together they bind all God's commandments into one unified whole, with no precept treated as unimportant or disposable, and love of neighbor is an enduring principle by which character and obedience are tested.DA 607.1–2+1

Those who love God supremely show that love through compassion and goodness toward others, giving more than acknowledgment of truth or ceremonial worship and offering the full service He requires.ST Jan 25, 1899 This love, which with wholehearted love for God sums up the religion of Christ, is opposed to self-love, selfish ambition and the desire for supremacy, calling for unselfish living and service rather than seeking one's own interests.Lt 31, 1891, par. 48–49 Together with loving God supremely with all one's might, mind and strength, it cannot be practiced without self-denial.ST Apr 3, 1893 The command is not truly obeyed unless God's law is written in the heart, and both loves require the whole heart to be given to God.TEPD 33.1+1 True obedience is not outward only, and until that whole surrender of all the heart, mind, soul and strength is made, love falls far short.Lt 23, 1888, par. 28–32

The truth of God only profits and illuminates when taken into the heart, where it must expel guile and selfishness, become woven into the character, and make the possessor a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world through lust.Lt 23, 1888, par. 28–32 When truth thus enters the heart it drives out guile and selfishness, shapes the character, and leads to love and justice in dealing with others.TEPD 33.1 This love for neighbor as self is a precious gift received from Jesus, and pure, holy affection is a guiding principle rather than merely a feeling.MH 358.4 Those led by the Holy Spirit love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves.MH 358.4 This love is possible through sharing in the divine nature, and it belongs with wholehearted love for God as part of fulfilling God's law.SPBC 167.4 Such love gives glory to God and brings peace and goodwill, as Christ embodied it, and His followers represent it by helping save the people for whom He gave His life.SPBC 167.4

Loving one's neighbor calls for devotion of body, mind, and soul to the service of God and others, and this unselfish service is the law of heaven that blesses others while bringing the greatest blessing and development to oneself.RH Jan 16, 1913+1 It underlies true development and brings the highest cultivation of every faculty.RH Jan 16, 1913+1 It calls for love equal to the care one gives oneself, caring for a neighbor with the same care as for self by seeking his highest good.Ms 63, 1903, par. 15+3 Loving God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving neighbor as self are instructions to be learned and practiced as part of a life of prayer shaped by love rather than selfishness or empty formality.Ms 4, 1901, par. 24–28+2

It requires practical self-denial, for it cannot be practiced without denying self.4T 521.1–2+3 This means ruling passion and spirit when passions rise, resisting fault-finding and the urge to criticize, patiently bearing with difficult people, remaining faithful in duty even when others fail, accepting responsibilities without seeking praise or personal advantage, and doing good cheerfully even when unappreciated and when self-interest would make another course easier.4T 521.1–2+3 It calls for continuous, persevering effort to benefit humanity, following Christ's example, and it is incompatible with using entrusted means only for personal pleasure, requiring instead the use of resources to honor God.RH Jul 11, 1907+2

It requires purity of thought, a Christlike character, pure words and unquestionable conduct, practicing every virtue while suppressing every pull toward evil and putting away every unclean habit.Ms 131, 1902, par. 7–8 It requires reverencing the principles of God's Word and keeping them united to daily life in word and act, speaking truth instead of falsehood.Ms 131, 1902, par. 7–8 Carelessness in speech or behavior breaks this love and brings loss of the soul, for a life divorced from these principles becomes erroneous and open to sinful practices God hates, and without a perfected pure and holy character no one will enter the city of God.Ms 131, 1902, par. 7–8 It commands people not to allow harm to be done to neighbors when they can prevent it.Ms 66, 1897, par. 22–25+1 Christ's command to love one another as He loved His followers extends this rule further, and His self-giving love sets the measure and standard for how His disciples are to love one another.Ms 66, 1897, par. 22–25+1

It is a rule given by Christ requiring practical obedience from all who claim to be converted, so binding that every church member should pledge in the presence of God and fellow members to keep it strictly.Ms 26, 1902, par. 42–43 Its meaning must be learned in life practice, not in knowledge only.Ms 131, 1902, par. 7–8+2 It means acting with genuine, impartial, and honest Christian love, not joining with others to wound or oppose brethren who have not pleased you.Lt 97, 1896, par. 16–18 It includes speaking plainly to warn people of their faults and dangers rather than pretending respect while withholding needed correction, and one who claims this love while acting with disaffection must be converted, learning Christ's meekness, forbearance, patience, and love.Lt 97, 1896, par. 16–18

Treating others as one wishes to be treated places a person where God can reveal Himself, and such persons are approved by God and made perfect in love.2T 550.3 They receive grace and truth from God and freely pass on the divine light and salvation they receive.2T 550.3 Joined with wholehearted love for Jesus, loving one's neighbor as oneself gives a wide field for using abilities and influence.MH 153.1+1 Those abilities are not for selfish gratification, for self must die and life must be centered in Christ.Lt 23, 1890, par. 29–31 Kept together with loving God with all the heart, mind, and strength, this love places a person in the position best qualified for God's high, sacred work.Lt 123, 1895, par. 6

Loving one's neighbor as oneself requires fair and honest dealings, and taking advantage of another for personal gain violates the command whether the other is believer or unbeliever and will face God's judgment.3T 246.1 Professed believers must show benevolence toward a poor fellow believer rather than dealing with him no more generously than with a prosperous person of the world.2T 51.2 The same love rules out criticism, fault-finding, and condemnation that disparage another's individuality.RCOC 103.5–6 Coldness and an unsocial manner withhold from neighbors the love they are owed and violate this duty.4T 548.1 Neighbor love is instead shown through affection, truthful and loving words, and care that fosters happiness and uplifts others.4T 548.1

This love requires attending to others' needs rather than letting self-interest shut them out, and neglecting others' burdens while indulging selfishness violates it.2T 546.2 The rich young man's selfish attachment to wealth meant he failed to care for others as their needs demanded, despite claiming to keep the commandments.ST Jan 27, 1876 Sharing his means with the poor after Christ's example would have shown this love, blessed others, brought him greater happiness and heavenly treasure, and loosened his affections from earthly riches.ST Jan 27, 1876 Prayer and giving to people in need express love for God and for others.Ms 99, 1893, par. 4–6 Such gifts cannot earn God's favor, but they show receipt of Christ's grace and test the sincerity of profession.Ms 99, 1893, par. 4–6

Those who keep eternal realities in view act conscientiously as though seen by heaven, and Christian liberality grows through practice into cheerful, faithful giving from love for Christ and for those for whom He died.Ms 99, 1893, par. 25 Entrusted resources are to support God's work and help people in needy fields rather than being used only for personal pleasure.STB 417.2+1 Practical self-denial in the use of means honors God and belongs with supreme love for God and love for neighbor.Ms 99, 1893, par. 22 For a physician this love means using personal influence over the sick to set Jesus before them as healer of body and soul.Lt 13, 1890, par. 13–15 It leads patients to behold Christ instead of worshiping the human agent, turning thoughts, praise, and gratitude to God as the Source of mercy, power, and goodness, and never missing an opportunity to set the Lord before the afflicted.Lt 13, 1890, par. 13–15+1

The physician plants seed that will bear fruit unto holiness by directing gratitude, praise, thoughts, and love to God as source of all power, mercy, and goodness when the sick are relieved and brought back from death to life.Ms 17, 1890, par. 12–14 Whatever responsibility one holds, following Jesus' example means not claiming glory for self, for praise and glory belong to God.Lt 233, 1899, par. 12 This love is part of the practical life of Bible religion that must shape everyday words and actions, and those who teach truth are to live it and represent Christ in their homes.ASCOP 23.2 When each act shows this love together with supreme love for God, the church gains power to influence the world for good.MYP 418.3

Together with supreme love for God, this love gives greater strength as sons and daughters of God and puts believers on higher ground, making sacred knowledge fruitful and productive of much good.Ms 32, 1887, par. 14–17 Believers thus become light-bearers who persuade others to accept truth, sow seeds of truth in meekness and faith to bring forth fruits unto righteousness, follow on to know more truth, and gather more divine light to shine forth in good works instead of quarreling and becoming estranged.Ms 32, 1887, par. 14–17 Joined with supreme love for God it leads to working the works of Christ, including labor for souls for whom Christ died.Lt 123, 1896, par. 2 Kept with loving God with all the heart, might, mind, and strength, it is a commandment of God and part of loyal obedience to Heaven, guiding words and actions as one honors God as supreme.CTBH 161.2+2

With wholehearted love for God it marks those overcoming selfishness whose names will remain in the book of life.HSFM 138.6 Commitments that consume thought, skill, and attention must be examined for whether they leave too little for loving God and serving others, for one entrusted with God's work must remain consistent with these commands.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 2–3 The Holy Spirit appeals presenting the moral obligation to love God with heart, might, mind, and strength and to love neighbor as self.Lt 54, 1894, par. 25–26 He moves upon the inner self until conscious of divine power and quickens every faculty to decided action in a deep work unseen by the world.Lt 54, 1894, par. 25–26 Turning souls famishing for bread of life and thirsting for salvation aside into false paths by pen or voice brings woe because it opposes this love.Lt 54, 1894, par. 25–26