Q42. What is the summary of the Ten Commandments?
The summary of the Ten Commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 22:37–40
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
How did Jesus summarize all Ten Commandments?
- 2
Why is love the summary of the law and not just following a list of rules?
- 3
Who is someone you find it hard to love the way this commandment describes?
Illustration
When your parent tells you to clean your room, do your homework, and be kind to your sister, all of those instructions come from one thing: they love you and want what is good. Every one of the Ten Commandments flows from love for God and love for others.
Application
No one can love God and neighbor perfectly. That is why we need Jesus. Ask God to show you one person you can serve this week, and ask him for the help to do it.