I think it is "New" because, unlike the previous commandments, it is a not a law that governs specific actions e.g.. "Thou shalt not steal". It is a much broader directive from which the right or wrong of a specific action can be inferred. In the context of the day, it is a departure (hence "New") from the more legalistic nature of scripture. If you did something that would be counter to an expression of love for another, than it would be wrong. it makes it clear and simple how we are to live our lives according to God's will.

It is another step in Jesus freeing us from salvation by deed or law and granting us salvation by grace.

God's forgiveness is not what motivates me to be a Christian, it's just a necessity for the relationship. Beyond that I don't think too much about it.

 Neither does God. 

I think along more metaphysical lines. 

The Kingdom of God is his intent. Whenever we act according to his wishes for us, we further his kingdom.  When we do not, we draw further away from him and thus his kingdom.

To be in God Kingdom is to be in communion with him. 

Yes.

The most valuable, clearly ... but.

What does that mean for me who is not lowly.This is hard and what I struggle with all the time becuase I haven't figure it out. I work very hard so that my family and I can live in Los Gatos and enjoy a fair number of material comforts. I have education, entertainment, and a lot of joy in my life.

In Matthew 4:18-20 

18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him.

 Should I give up most of what and become lowly to follow Jesus" If the answer were "Yes", would I"