What other scriptures emphasize the importance of loving God? Known by God when We Love Him “ But the one who loves God is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:3) Love for God is not a vague sentiment; it is the relational doorway into being “known” and cherished by Him. Scripture repeats this theme from Genesis to Revelation. Foundational Calls in the Law and Writings • Deuteronomy 6:4-5 — “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” • Deuteronomy 10:12-13 — Love leads to walking in God’s ways, serving Him “with all your heart and with all your soul.” • Joshua 22:5 — Israel is told to “hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” • Psalm 31:23 — “Love the LORD, all His saints. The LORD preserves the faithful.” • Psalm 97:10 — Those who love the LORD are marked by hating evil. Jesus Repeats and Deepens the Command • Matthew 22:37-38 — “‘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.” • Mark 12:29-30 — Jesus links the Shema to wholehearted love in heart, soul, mind, and strength. • Luke 10:27 — Loving God stands shoulder-to-shoulder with loving neighbor; both sum up the Law. Love Proven by Obedience • John 14:21 — “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” • John 14:23 — Love welcomes divine fellowship: “We will come to him and make Our home with him.” • John 15:10 — Remaining in Christ’s love requires keeping His commandments. • 1 John 5:2-3 — “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” • 1 John 2:5 — Obedience perfects God’s love in us. Blessings Reserved for Those Who Love Him • Romans 8:28 — “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” • 1 Corinthians 2:9 — God has prepared unimaginable things “for those who love Him.” • James 1:12 — A “crown of life” awaits the believer who perseveres in love. • James 2:5 — The kingdom is promised “to those who love Him.” Staying in Love: Ongoing Devotion • Jude 1:21 — “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” • Revelation 2:4 — A sober warning: “You have abandoned your first love.” • 1 John 4:19 — Our capacity to love springs from His prior love: “We love because He first loved us.” Living It Out Today • Let Scripture shape affection: read passages above aloud and personalize them. • Tie obedience to love: before acting, ask, “Will this choice express love for Him?” • Practice exclusive loyalty: renounce competing loves (Psalm 97:10). • Celebrate the promises: rehearse Romans 8:28 when circumstances press hard. • Guard against drift: schedule regular heart-checks in light of Revelation 2:4. Love for God is the axis on which true faith turns—energizing obedience, inviting divine fellowship, and securing eternal reward. |
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