With dissension in politics, families, workplaces, and more, we might ask, Are we destined to live with conflict? Are antagonistic relationships an inevitable part of life?

Turning to the Bible for answers on this subject has helped me considerably. Christ Jesus provided powerful guidance when he was asked what was the greatest commandment in the law. His answer was: “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” (Matthew 22:37–39). Although spoken nearly two thousand years ago, these words still apply today. Loving God and our neighbor makes a profound difference in our lives and relationships. But how do we do this?

To better obey “the first and great” commandment, I have found that the most meaningful approach is to consistently check that my thoughts and actions are based on living my love for God. This includes looking at troubling personal, community, and world situations and affirming both God’s omnipresence and His governance of all involved. As I proceed through each day’s activities, I look for ways to actively express Godlike qualities, such as patience and respect for others. I express my love for God by putting aside a limited, material perspective of His creation and acknowledging God, good, as the only power and Mind.