The term "devotedly" refers to the act of dedicating oneself with deep commitment and loyalty, often in a religious or spiritual context. In the Bible, this concept is frequently associated with the wholehearted dedication to God, His commandments, and His service. The idea of devotion is central to the life of a believer, as it encompasses love, obedience, and faithfulness.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often associated with devotion is "ḥērem," which can mean something devoted or consecrated to God, sometimes even to the point of destruction if it pertains to objects or people that are to be utterly given over to God (Leviticus 27:28-29). The Israelites were called to be devoted to God, setting themselves apart from other nations by following His laws and commandments.

One of the most profound examples of devotion is found in the Shema, a central declaration of faith in 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." This passage emphasizes the totality of devotion expected from God's people.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "proskartereó" is often used to describe devotion, particularly in the context of prayer and service. Acts 2:42 illustrates the early church's devotion: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This verse highlights the communal and spiritual aspects of devotion among the early Christians.

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of devotion in his epistles. In Romans 12:10-11 , he writes, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Here, devotion is linked with love, honor, and fervent service, indicating that a devoted life is active and relational.

Devotion in Worship and Service

Devotion is not only a personal commitment but also a communal expression. The Psalms are replete with calls to worship God devotedly. Psalm 86:11 says, "Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name." This plea for an undivided heart reflects the desire for pure and complete devotion to God.

In service, devotion is seen in the lives of biblical figures such as Daniel, who remained steadfast in his faith despite the threat of persecution (Daniel 6:10), and Mary of Bethany, who devotedly sat at Jesus' feet, choosing the "better part" (Luke 10:39-42).

Devotion in Daily Life

Devotion is not limited to acts of worship or service but extends to every aspect of a believer's life. Colossians 3:23 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This verse encourages believers to approach all tasks with a heart devoted to God, recognizing that their ultimate service is to Him.

In summary, living devotedly is a hallmark of the Christian faith, encompassing love, obedience, and service to God and others. It is a call to live with an undivided heart, fully committed to the ways and purposes of the Lord.

Chaldaean Civilization
... as his vicegerents here below, as his prophets, his well-beloved, his pastors, elected
by him to rule his human flocks, or as priests devotedly attached to his ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Epistle of Ignatius to St. John the Apostle
... She is indeed devoted to the humble, and she humbles herself more devotedly than
the devoted, and is wonderfully magnified by all, while at the same time she ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to.htm

But in Truth was There Either Decree of any Law...
... sought it be not found where it may with most safety, ought to be sought at any
risk); the degrees of all ranks and powers most devotedly minister to this ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 18 but in truth.htm

Fruits and the Two Works.
... There are no feelings of self-importance in the heart when the love of God is abounding.
We love him so devotedly we desire him to receive all the praise. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vi fruits and the.htm

Prolegomena. Section i. --The Life.
... There were three children of the marriage"a sister, Gorgonia, probably somewhat
older than Gregory, who was devotedly fond of her, and a brother, C??sarius ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/prolegomena section i the life.htm

Letters to Neri Di Landoccio Dei Pagliaresi
... who introduced to her most of the people who later became her disciples, and many
letters yet extant from one and another show that he was devotedly loved by ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/letters to neri di landoccio.htm

Eudoxia's Statue
... of Constantinople by mobs which threatened to fling him into the sea, he could not
visit the city again; and that his own people were so devotedly attached to ...
/.../chapter xlvii eudoxias statue.htm

Epistle x. To the Martyrs and Confessors who Sought that Peace ...
... of my situation and the fear of the Lord constrain me, my brave and beloved brethren,
to admonish you in my letters, that those who so devotedly and bravely ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle x to the martyrs.htm

A Most Useful Method of Employing These Motives.
... may be glorified. O sovereign love of the Heart of Jesus, what heart can
ever bless thee as devotedly as it ought! Thus within his ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii a most useful.htm

Letter cxvii. To Julian, Bishop of Cos.
... How watchfully and how devotedly you guard the catholic Faith, brother, the tenor
of your letter shows, and my anxiety is greatly relieved by the information ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter cxvii to julian bishop.htm

Devotedly (1 Occurrence)
...Devotedly (1 Occurrence). Romans 14:18 and whoever in this way devotedly serves
Christ, God takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him. (WEY). ...
/d/devotedly.htm - 6k

Devotedness (2 Occurrences)

/d/devotedness.htm - 7k

Commend (22 Occurrences)
... (WEY NIV). Romans 14:18 and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God
takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him. (WEY). ...
/c/commend.htm - 15k

Devoted (72 Occurrences)

/d/devoted.htm - 29k

Pleasure (331 Occurrences)
... YLT). Romans 14:18 and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God
takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him. (WEY). ...
/p/pleasure.htm - 40k

Takes (380 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Romans 14:18 and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God
takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him. (WEY). ...
/t/takes.htm - 34k

Highly (48 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 14:18 and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God
takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him. (WEY). ...
/h/highly.htm - 20k

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