When we think about love and the way we are commanded to love, I reflect on the many things I say I love but could truly live without things like pizza or ice cream. They bring momentary pleasure but add nothing to the purpose and depth of my life. Yet, love, true love is not about fleeting desires. It is the foundation of who we are called to be.
God has given us a clear command: to love. The starting point of our existence is to love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. And let’s be honest; this takes strength. It takes strength to deny what we think we want, what we believe we need, and say instead, “God, I choose to obey You because I love You more than my own desires. Your will be done.” Obedience to God is one of the greatest ways we show our love for Him.
When we consider the love God has given us the mercy He extends, unfailing and unchanging, we begin to grasp a love that no human can fully give. His love is vast, immeasurable, and beyond comprehension. He, the One through whom all creation exists, is love itself. And His deepest desire is an intimate relationship with us a love so profound that it heals us and makes us whole.
This is the love we are called to mirror. A love that doesn’t waver, that forgives, corrects, and restores. A love that transforms our hearts, minds, and souls. We never have to question God’s love for us it is constant, unwavering, and complete. The real question is: Will we love Him fully? Will we surrender and allow His love to reshape us?
Imagine how different our lives would be if we truly loved as He does unconditionally, sacrificially, and with unwavering faithfulness. The way God loves us is not just an example; it is the very foundation of how we must love Him, ourselves, and others. Because when we love the way He commands, we are no longer just living we are becoming.
Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) 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.’”
Tarsha Gunn
Ms. Gunn, I love reading your article. Living a life of love is what every Christian is called to do, even though it is not easy. When we walk in love with God, which is the first commandments, and love our neighbors and our fellow Christian brothers and sisters, we are fulfilling the love of God.
Thank you for this article. I hope many people will grasp it! May God bless you 🙏.
Best regards,
Kenneth Sullivan