Topical Encyclopedia The concept of decision in the context of loving God perfectly is a profound theme throughout the Bible. It involves a conscious and deliberate choice to prioritize God above all else, aligning one's heart, soul, and mind with His will. This decision is not merely an emotional response but a steadfast commitment to live in accordance with God's commandments and teachings.Biblical Foundation The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, serves as a foundational scripture for understanding the decision to love God perfectly: "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 underscores the totality of devotion required, emphasizing that loving God is an all-encompassing decision that involves every aspect of one's being. In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates this commandment as the greatest of all. In Matthew 22:37-38, He states, "‘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." Here, Jesus affirms that the decision to love God is paramount and foundational to the Christian faith. Examples of Decision in Scripture 1. Joshua's Declaration: Joshua exemplifies the decision to love God perfectly in Joshua 24:15, where he challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve. He declares, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua's decision is a public and resolute commitment to God, setting an example for the nation. 2. David's Heart for God: King David, described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), consistently made decisions that reflected his love for God. In Psalm 18:1, David proclaims, "I love You, O LORD, my strength." His psalms often express a deep, personal decision to seek and honor God above all else. 3. Mary of Bethany: In Luke 10:38-42, Mary of Bethany chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching, despite the busyness around her. Jesus commends her decision, saying, "Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." Her choice reflects a decision to prioritize her relationship with God over worldly concerns. The Role of Obedience Loving God perfectly is intrinsically linked to obedience. In John 14:15, Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This verse highlights that the decision to love God is demonstrated through obedience to His Word. The Apostle John further emphasizes this in 1 John 5:3: "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." Challenges and Encouragement The decision to love God perfectly is not without challenges. Believers face temptations and distractions that can divert their focus from God. However, Scripture provides encouragement and assurance. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul writes, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This passage reassures believers that God's love is steadfast, and their decision to love Him is supported by His unwavering commitment to them. Conclusion The decision to love God perfectly is a central tenet of the Christian faith, requiring a deliberate and ongoing commitment to prioritize God above all else. Through examples in Scripture and the call to obedience, believers are encouraged to make this decision daily, trusting in God's enduring love and faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 6:5And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ... The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ... Do You Know Him? Another Wonderful Record of 25. Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... Exposition of the Moral Law. The Pilgrim's Progress From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ... Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles. Augustin's Part in the Controversy. Resources What does the Bible say about decision-making? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision? | GotQuestions.org Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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