阅读经文 

我曾经拜读过多位良师，其中有一位最为特出，修读他所教授的那门课的学生，都感到自己很幸运。他说话沉着，却满有深度、表达精确、清晰，引人入胜。我很喜欢从这位神学和哲学大师身上学习。

数十年之后我们又重逢了，我是他的牧师，不过，我仍然是他的学生。我们也落在同一个不幸的境况中，就是我们都需要去探望住在敬老院的妻子。在探望我们的妻子时，我们时常都会彼此遇见，有时他也会邀请我到他的公寓闲谈。

我们时常谈论神学上的问题，谈到关于神的事情。然而，在某天晚上，我记得他停顿下来，面上露出深思的神情，智慧的眼睛发出光辉，他恳切地说：“Harvey，我们坐在这里，谈论神的事情，然而，当我们在谈论神时，我们必须记着，祂此刻就在这里与我们一起，正在聆听我们所谈论的。”

他的话对我是一个很好的提醒。辨明和讨论关于神的基本真理或许对我们有益，甚至是重要的，然而，徒有丰富的知识，却没有爱，是等于零的。神要求我们认识祂和爱祂——尽心、尽性、尽意如此去做！这就是最大的诫命了！

我感谢我这位德高望重，满有智慧的朋友。他对神有深刻的洞见——然而更美好的，就是他能尽心、尽性、尽意地认识神和爱祂。

I have had many good teachers, but one was quite remarkable. Students who sat in his classroom knew they were privileged. He spoke quietly but with a depth, precision, and clarity that made listening almost irresistible. I enjoyed learning from this theological and philosophical giant.

Decades later our paths crossed again. I became his pastor, but I was still his student. We also shared the sad experience of needing to visit our spouse at a nursing home. We saw each other frequently on those visits. Occasionally he would also invite me to his apartment for a chat.

We often discussed theological matters, talking about God. But one night I remember him pausing. A thoughtful look lined his face, his wise eyes brightened, and he spoke earnestly: "Harvey, here we sit, talking about God. But, you know, as we talk about God, we must remember that he is right here with us, hearing what we are saying."

It was a good reminder for me. Discerning and discussing ­basic truths about God may be helpful, even important, but lots of knowledge without love is nothing. God wants us to know him, to love him—with all our heart and soul and mind! That's the greatest commandment!

I am grateful for my respected and wise friend. He knew much about God—but, better by far, he knew God and loved him, with his heart and soul and mind.