Bethlehem Lutheran Church

The second section of the Shema commands the Israelite people to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) Jesus adds “mind” to the list. (Mark 12:29) Different scholars have different ideas about precisely what each term means. What is certain is that, taken together, they refer to all aspects of a person, physical, mental and spiritual.

What does it mean to love God with our physical being, our bodies? Here are a few ideas. It means to recognize our bodies as God’s creation and a gift to us. Therefore we show our love to God by doing those things which keep our bodies healthy (e.g., eating properly, exercising, not smoking, getting enough sleep). We also don’t use our physical strength against others. Instead we use that strength on behalf of others (e.g., clearing snow for the elderly, working with Habitat for Humanity to build low income, affordable housing). We don’t swear or engage in verbal abuse, but use our voices for prayer and the encouragement of others.

These are just a few ideas. How do you show your love God with your body?

Blessings for your Lenten journey,
Mary