The Greatest Commandments

The Greatest Commandments are the summary of the entire Law and the prophets, consisting of the love of God and the love of neighbor (CCC 2055). Jesus identifies these as loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40; CCC 2196).

The Inseparable Bond

The Church teaches that these two commandments are inseparable; one cannot love God whom he does not see if he does not love the brother whom he does see (CCC 1878). Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God (CCC 1822).

The New Commandment

Jesus perfects these commandments by giving the 'New Commandment' at the Last Supper: 'love one another as I have loved you' (John 13:34). This requires a sacrificial love that extends even to one's enemies, mirroring the heart of Christ (CCC 1823, 1825).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Ten Commandments still valid? Yes. The Greatest Commandments do not replace the Decalogue but summarize and fulfill them (CCC 2067).