In the New Testament, Jesus gave a total of two primary commandments that He emphasized in His teachings. These are often referred to as the Great Commandments.
1. **Love the Lord your God**: Jesus taught that the first and greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). This commandment highlights the importance of having a deep, personal relationship with God and prioritizing Him above all else.
2. **Love your neighbor as yourself**: The second commandment that Jesus presented is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). This commandment signifies the importance of showing love and compassion to others, encouraging us to treat others with kindness and respect.
In summary, while the Old Testament includes a more extensive list of commandments, Jesus distilled the moral teaching into these two foundational principles. These commandments summarize all of God’s laws and are meant to guide believers in their daily lives. By adhering to these commandments, Christians are called to reflect God’s love in both their relationship with Him and with others.