The command to love God is a central tenet of the Judeo-Christian faith, deeply rooted in the Scriptures and emphasized throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This command is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate that underscores the relationship between God and His people.

Old Testament Foundations

The command to love God is first explicitly stated in the Shema, a foundational declaration of faith for the Israelites found 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 highlights the totality of devotion required—heart, soul, and strength—indicating that love for God should permeate every aspect of one's being.

The Shema is recited daily in Jewish tradition, underscoring its importance. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where love is not only an emotional response but an act of will and obedience. The command to love God is reiterated in Deuteronomy 11:1: "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments." . Here, love is linked with obedience to God's laws, suggesting that true love for God is demonstrated through adherence to His commandments.

New Testament Emphasis

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the command to love God as the greatest commandment. In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus responds to a question about the greatest commandment by quoting the Shema: "Jesus declared, '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." . By including "mind," Jesus emphasizes the intellectual aspect of loving God, suggesting that love involves the whole person—emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.

The command to love God is further expounded in the writings of the apostles. In 1 John 5:3, the apostle John writes, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." . This passage reiterates the connection between love and obedience, emphasizing that love for God is demonstrated through a willing and joyful adherence to His will.

Theological Implications

The command to love God is foundational to understanding the nature of the relationship between God and humanity. It implies a covenantal relationship where love is both a response to God's love and a duty. In 1 John 4:19, it is written, "We love because He first loved us." . This suggests that human love for God is a response to the divine love already extended to humanity.

Moreover, the command to love God is intrinsically linked to the command to love others. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus continues, "And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" . The two commandments are inseparable, indicating that genuine love for God will naturally manifest in love for others.

Practical Application

The command to love God calls for a holistic devotion that encompasses every aspect of life. It challenges believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, influencing their thoughts, actions, and decisions. This love is not passive but active, requiring a commitment to live according to God's will and to seek His presence continually.

In summary, the command to love God is a profound and all-encompassing directive that forms the foundation of the Christian faith. It calls for a complete and unwavering devotion to God, expressed through obedience, worship, and love for others.