With a Subtitle: This is the greatest commandment in the Bible (Luke 10:27).

A brief Excerpt: The article explores loving God, growing in Christ, prioritizing His kingdom, and aligning life with His will. There is a need for a genuine relationship with God and loving Him with all one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength.

The Author is: Gabriel Ololade

Loving God is the foundation of the Christian faith and the greatest commandment, as emphasized by Jesus in the scriptures. Yet, many believers may wonder what it truly means to love God and how to reflect that love in their daily lives. This post explores what it means to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and offers practical steps that demonstrate a deep, growing relationship with Him. As we prioritize God’s kingdom and align our lives with His will, we can experience a love that transcends mere ritual and becomes a lifestyle of devotion and sacrifice.

Let’s look at these powerful passages:

Matthew 22:37: Jesus said unto him, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."  
22:38: "This is the first and great commandment."  
22:39: "And the second is like unto it, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’"  
22:40: "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Mark 12:30: "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."

Luke 10:27: "And he answering said, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.'"

Every believer must come into a relationship with Christ and grow day by day in that relationship.

You don’t just believe that Jesus is LORD and accept Him alone. You need to move closer to Him to know His ways and walk in His perfect will for your life.

When we constantly show interest in His ways, we will begin to love Him in our relationship and walk with Him.

How to Love God/Proofs That Show You Love GOD

1. Surrender to His will.

Romans 12:1: "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. Read and meditate on His word.

Psalm 1:2: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night."

3. Obey His words.  

John 14:23: "Jesus answered and said unto him, 'If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.'"

4. Communicate with Him in prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing."

5. Serve Him wholeheartedly, worshipping Him and sacrificing time, money, and everything for the expansion of God’s kingdom.

Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

6. Fear Him (revere Him).

Ecclesiastes 12:13: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."

7. Praise and honor Him.

Psalm 100:4: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name."

8. Tell others about Him.

Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

9. Be zealous for Him.

Romans 12:11: "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

The Bible verses quoted are drawn from both the King James Version (KJV) and the New International Version (NIV).

Every believer must grow beyond the mindset of following God for material things or for securing health, wellness, etc.

The Bible says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things will be added to you.”

Prioritizing God’s kingdom first is a sign that we love Him, not because we expect blessings.

The greatest commandment is to love God—not because of what we will gain, but because we desire to know Him and to be like Him.

When God called Peter, Peter didn’t follow Him for material things. Although he was moved by the miracle of the fishes, he left them behind to follow Jesus to fish for men. In other words, he wanted to be like Jesus.

David was a man after God’s heart, both before and after he became king. He was deeply devoted to God.

Joseph, too, was a lover of God because he feared Him.

Job was a lover of God. He didn’t curse God despite his sufferings.

The proof that Abraham loved God was that even after receiving Isaac, he was willing to sacrifice him to God. This is sufficient proof that he did not serve or love God for personal gain or fame.

Many of us feel entitled, expecting immediate returns when we offer service to God. Meanwhile, God expects much more from us.

The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive. What have we given to God? Money is not even the fundamental thing God requires. He requires our total commitment and stillness.

I must be a sacrifice to my Maker.

I will not fail my God.

Prayer:
Erupt Your love in my heart afresh, dear LORD.