Loving God

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. - Mark 12: 28-30

Jesus quoted what it says in Deuteronomy 6:5 when was asked by the Pharisees about what is the greatest commandment. This commandment is central both in the OT and NT. To love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength is not just an expression of an emotion,  but is an expression of deep commitment to God in reverence and act of worship. It signifies a complete surrender of giving our thoughts, feelings, and actions in total  devotion to God alone.

In ancient Hebrew thought, the heart represented the core of a person, encompassing not just emotions, but also the mind and will. Loving God with all one's heart means giving Him the highest priority in all aspects of life, surpassing any other relationship, desire, or possession.  In summary, loving God is the ultimate expression of our relationship and commitment permeating in the very core of our being.

How do we show that we love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength?

1. Offer our bodies as an offering to God on a daily basis. 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” - Romans 12:1-2

2. Bind our hearts with God’s Word.

“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart.” - Proverbs 4:20-21

3. Eliminate every sinful behavior.

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” - James 1:21

4. Yield our lives to the will of God.

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” - Luke 9:23

Loving God with all of our heart, soul, and strength must be our total commitment and full devotion. When we love God the way he commands us, we won’t have any regrets following him. We will enjoy our relationship with him much better.

Devotion by: Pastor D. H. Geronimo

Date added: 06/27/2025

NOTE: All Scripture used are NIV unless otherwise stated.