Today, I had the thought that some people do not love their neighbor as they love themselves, so how can they truly love God.
The Connection Between Loving God and Loving People
- The Bible teaches that loving God, and loving others are inseparable (Matthew 22:36-40)
- If we do not demonstrate love for our fellow human beings, it calls into question the authenticity of our love for God (1 John 4:20)
- Truly loving God compels us to love and care for others as He does (1 John 4:7-11)
- The reality is that some struggle to love people, which makes loving God faithfully very difficult
The Holy Bible teaches that loving God is the most important commandment. Jesus said the greatest commandment is “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
Throughout the Old Testament, God commands the Israelites to love Him wholeheartedly. For example, Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
The Bible says that loving God means obeying his commandments. 1 John 5:3 states “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” Loving God is demonstrated through our actions and obedience to him.
The Bible also emphasizes that our love for God should be the primary motivation in our lives. Loving God is to be our highest priority, above all else. The book of Deuteronomy repeatedly calls the Israelites to “love the Lord your God” (e.g. Deuteronomy 11:1, 13, 22).
Overall, the consistent message of the Bible is that loving God completely, supremely, and obediently is the fundamental duty and privilege of all who follow Him. This love for God is to shape every aspect of the believer’s life.
Reasons to Love God:
- God first loved us (1 John 4:19) – our love for God is a response to his abundant love and grace toward us.
- God is worthy of our love because of his perfect nature and all that he has done (Revelation 4:11).
- Loving God brings joy, peace, and fulfillment (Psalm 16:11, Philippians 4:4).
How to Love God:
- With all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) – our love should be wholehearted and all-consuming.
- By keeping his commandments (John 14:15, 1 John 5:3) – obedience demonstrates the sincerity of our love.
- By delighting in Him and His word (Psalm 1:2, 37:4) – cultivating an affection and desire for God Himself.
- By trusting and relying on Him completely (Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 17:7).
- Through worship, prayer, fasting and fellowship with other believers (Psalm 95:6, Hebrews 10:24-25).
Consequences of Not Loving God:
- We will face His judgment and wrath (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, Revelation 14:9-11).
- We will miss out on the abundant life God intends for us (John 10:10).
- Our relationships, priorities, and eternal destiny will be adversely affected.
Overall, the Bible presents loving God as the foundational calling. It is both a command and a privilege to love the Lord with everything we are and have.
May He help us love Him with every fiber of our being!