Matthew 22:36-40 tells us: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 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.’ All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
I have been challenged and convicted on how well I love Jesus.
When I read this slowly and meditate on these words in scripture, I can’t help but think how much I have to grow. Loving God with all your heart is not a suggestion, but a command to surrender every area of my heart, even those that I cling on to. I need to love Him with all my passions, all the desires that drive my actions and thoughts. Whew, what a challenge! I put all my heart into ensuring that my project at work was communicated well with all the accurate details so that I could say there was nothing more I could give. Do I do the same to love God with all my heart?
If we love God with all our soul, that means literally with our whole being. “Soul” translated means “breath.” Our dependence on God and love for Him should be driven with every piece of our existence. Our breath gives us life, as does our soul, so how can we love Him with all of our soul or breath? When I experience a happy life event or blessing, what’s my response? I want to praise Him and give Him the glory. But when I go through heartache, do I want to only pour my soul to Him first because I can’t go through the experience without Him? If I am honest, my soul often wants to confide in the people or emotions of the situation rather than with the Creator.
Lastly, this command focuses on the mind. Our mind is so crucial to not just how we think, but how we feel and ultimately act. What we focus on, including our love for Him, most likely speaks to how our minds are preoccupied. If we love God we want to dwell in His scripture and promises, including His deep love for us. We will begin to reflect and process information through the lens that His Spirit gives us and filter the messages with which this world can often misinform us. The more we intentionally focus our mind on God’s goodness despite what is happening around us, the more we can learn to love Him deeper.
Please know this is a process, so do not be discouraged if you are not there yet. Some people reading this may be in a place where they are overflowing with love for God. Some may be trying to figure out ways to live out their love and what that means. Some of you may be questioning if you love God at all. But know this: 1 John 4:19 affirms this truth, “We love because He first loved us.”
If you are not sure where to start, here’s a simple prayer to ask God to help you love Him more.
Thank you, Lord, that you were willing to die on the cross because of your unwavering love for us. We want to love you deeper. We want to know you more. Please forgive me of my sins and anything that may separate me from loving you fully. Thank you for being our Father and King. May each day we learn to love you more. Teach us to love you with our heart, soul and mind.
Pour yourself into His Word, in prayer, surrounding yourself with others that love Him and will encourage you. He loves you and desires all of your heart, soul and mind. No matter where in the journey you are, I encourage you to take one step this week to fall more in love with Jesus. Find a friend and encourage them to do the same and walk this with you. Your Father has open arms that you can fall into and will fill you like nothing else this world will ever offer.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Susan Veenema has been in education for almost 20 years supporting children with disabilities and their families and currently works for the Department of Education. She and her husband, Jeremy, love exploring Chester County with their two older biological daughters and three foster children. People are her passion.