Create Space for the Great Commandment - Encouragement for Today - March 24, 2026
Create Space for the Great Commandment
LYSA TERKEURST
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“Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”’” Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
Editor’s Note: Don’t skip a single day this week. From March 23-27, each devotion includes a never-before-seen excerpt from Lysa TerKeurst’s first prayer book, Come Close to Jesus. Trust us — you’ll want to read every one.
One of the most loving things we can do for others is to create a space where they know they’re safe to reveal their real struggles and hurts. Around a table. On a walk. Maybe even on a road trip. We can initiate those moments where togetherness says, “You belong. You have a place. You have a voice. You have people who love you just as you are, right now, in your struggle.”
When you’re hurting, it can feel isolating when you aren’t sure how to talk about the hard things or who can safely hold your honest thoughts. But believers in Jesus have God’s Spirit in us, and He helps us love people who are hurting, empathize with their pain, and acknowledge their perspective, even though we can’t change the outcome or fix things for them. Only God can do that.
We do what we can to love them well. We show up with Jesus in our hearts and compassion in our words. And we’re there, holding sacred space for the Holy Spirit to move. This is how we live out Matthew 22:37-39: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind … Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Who in your life may need this encouragement today? Maybe shoot that person a quick text saying, “Hey, friend. Jesus loves you, and I love you. I’m here for you.”
And if you’re the person who needs to be reminded that she’s a little less alone in what she’s walking through right now, I’ll be that friend for you today:
Though I don’t know your specific name, God does. And He made sure our paths crossed right at this moment in your life. Now, let’s pray together.
Holy Spirit, You are wondrous in how vast You are while at the same time being deeply personal and intimate. I need Your love to envelop my friend right now, and I ask for Your tender mercies to wrap all around every circumstance she is facing. Where my wisdom falls short, I pray my love for her reminds her that You have all the answers she needs. Help her to know all she needs to do is be obedient to You with each small step, and You will guide her way.
When she missteps, let Your loving-kindness draw her into repentance, and let Your grace lavish her with forgiveness. Protect her heart and mind from the enemy’s confusion. Protect her body from being overwhelmed with strain. Bring safe people into her life and mine. And help me to be the kind of friend she needs right now. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
P.S. Mark your calendar for Holy Week (March 29-April 5). For eight days, we’ll pause together to steady our hearts in the finished work of Jesus — one scripture and one quiet reminder at a time.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Some women stop praying not because they stop believing in God but because prayer feels intimidating — like they’re supposed to know what to say and don’t. Days turn into weeks. Silence feels easier. When you give to Proverbs 31 Ministries, you help interrupt that silence with Scripture and prayer that meet her without judgment. Lysa TerKeurst also wrote Come Close to Jesus for moments like this — offering prayers women can lean on when starting feels hard. As our thank-you for your gift, you’ll receive your own copy. Give today to help a woman just like you reopen a conversation she thought she’d lost with God.
ENGAGE
Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
John 15:12, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (NIV).
What friend comes to mind when you read today’s devotion? Commit to praying for her, and reach out with an invitation to spend time together. Send her a picture of today’s prayer so she knows she’s being lifted up to the Lord.
We’d love to hear how this devotion spoke to you in the comments.
© 2026 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
