Day 90: Loving God and Living Out His Word

In our Christian walk, one of the most important truths we can hold onto is the foundational principle that Jesus emphasized, deeply rooted in the Old and New Testaments. It’s a truth that encompasses everything in the Bible and lays the foundation for how we live our daily lives. This truth, this principle, is the absolute call to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might and to love others as ourselves. Let’s dive deeper into this powerful biblical truth and explore how it can be practically applied to our everyday lives.

Biblical Principle: Love the Lord with All Your Heart, Soul, and Might

The verse from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is foundational to the entirety of Scripture and is one that Jesus referenced when asked about the greatest commandment. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 says:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

This verse not only declares who God is—the one true God—but also gives us an imperative on how we are to respond to Him: by loving Him with everything that we are.

This command to love God is not a superficial love. It’s a love that encompasses our entire being — our heart, soul, and might. Our heart represents our deepest emotions and desires, our soul reflects our inner life and identity, and our might refers to our strength, energy, and all our resources. Loving God in all these areas of our lives is a call to total devotion, placing God at the center of everything we do, say, and think.

But how can we live out this command in our everyday lives?

Practical Application: Loving God and Loving Others

The beauty of this biblical principle is that it is not just about an inner, abstract feeling or a mental exercise; it must be lived out practically. The Bible clarifies that our love for God is intricately connected to how we treat others.

In John 1:1-5, we read about Jesus, the Word made flesh, who is the source of life and light. This passage highlights the connection between the Word of God and how we are to live out that Word in the world. Jesus is the light in a world full of darkness; those who follow Him are called to reflect that light.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was true in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him, nothing was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:1-5)

As followers of Christ, we are called to love God and be bearers of His light, demonstrating His love to the world around us. When we love God with all our heart, soul, and might, it naturally overflows into our relationships with others.

This is why 1 John 2:4-5 gives us a challenging yet necessary test of our faith:

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we are in him.” (1 John 2:4-5)

The apostle John makes it clear here that true love for God is demonstrated by obedience to His commandments. Loving God means obeying Him; when we obey His Word, we reflect His love. The ultimate test of our love for God is how well we love others.

How to Make This Practical Today

How can we apply this biblical principle today? Here’s one practical way:

• Love Others as Christ Loved Us: We can start by reaching out to someone who may need love, encouragement, or support today. This could be a family member, a friend, or stranger. Take time to show Christ's love in tangible ways —through a kind word, a listening ear, or an act of service.

• Reflect on Your Relationship with God: Take a moment to assess where your love for God stands. Are you loving Him with your whole heart, soul, and might? Are there areas of your life where you need to surrender more fully to Him? Make time for prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word today.

• Obey His Commandments: Jesus made it clear that obedience to His Word is an expression of our love for Him. What commandments do you need to follow today actively? Whether forgiving someone, showing kindness, or living with integrity in your work, obeying God is a daily act of love.

Ultimately, the call to love God and others is our Christian faith's core. It is the foundation upon which every other commandment and teaching in Scripture is built. When we love God with all that we are and love others as He has loved us, we live out the heart of the gospel.

As we continue our Christian walk, remember that loving God isn’t just a command — it is our most incredible privilege and joy. May we strive to make this principle something we believe in and live out each day.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides us and calls us to love You with everything we are. Help us live out this truth practically by loving others and obeying Your commandments. May Your light shine through us, bringing hope to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.