Topical Bible: Love to God: Persevere In

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The concept of persevering in love to God is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the enduring and steadfast nature of a believer's devotion to the Creator. This perseverance is not merely an emotional or transient affection but a committed, ongoing relationship that withstands trials, temptations, and the passage of time.

Biblical Foundation

The call to love God with perseverance is rooted in the Shema, a foundational Jewish prayer found in Deuteronomy 6:5: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This commandment underscores the totality and intensity of love that God requires, one that encompasses every aspect of a person's being.

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms this commandment as the greatest, stating in 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." The emphasis here is on a love that is comprehensive and unwavering.

Perseverance in Love

Persevering in love to God involves maintaining faithfulness and devotion despite challenges. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:38-39, provides assurance of the inseparable nature of God's love for believers, which in turn inspires them to remain steadfast in their love for Him: "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."

The Book of James further encourages believers to endure in their love for God, promising a reward for those who do so: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12). This verse highlights the connection between perseverance, love, and divine reward.

Examples of Perseverance

Throughout the Bible, numerous figures exemplify perseverance in their love for God. Job, despite immense suffering and loss, remains faithful, declaring, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15). His unwavering trust and love for God amidst adversity serve as a powerful testament to enduring faith.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often speaks of his own perseverance in love for God, despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and hardship. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, he reflects on his journey: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day."

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a love for God that perseveres through regular prayer, study of Scripture, and participation in the life of the church. Hebrews 10:23-24 exhorts Christians to "hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds." This communal aspect of faith helps believers support one another in their journey of perseverance.

In summary, persevering in love to God is a dynamic and enduring commitment that is central to the Christian faith. It is characterized by a steadfast devotion that remains unshaken by life's trials, inspired by the assurance of God's unchanging love and the promise of eternal reward.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Holy Perseverance in Sacred Love.
... gift of eternal glory, according to his saying: He that shall persevere unto the ...
helps, solaces and succours, whereby we continue in the love of God to the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv of holy perseverance.htm

But they Answer and Speak, Saying, "If the Will of Man Without any ...
... will of them which love the respiting of this life that, without aid of God, they
should in the midst of most atrocious and protracted torments persevere in a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on patience /13 but they answer and.htm

Third Mark of Inspiration, which is Holy Obedience to the Church ...
... under the laws of holy obedience; and God, blessing the ... great man, gave him the grace
to persevere thirty whole ... touching earth, was a spectacle of love to the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii third mark of.htm

Rejection of Errors
... us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:32-35)?". PARAGRAPH 2. Who teach: That God
does indeed provide the believer with sufficient powers to persevere, and is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/rejection of errors 4.htm

That the Happiness of Dying in Heavenly Charity is a Special Gift ...
... Theotimus, this soul, wholly ravished with the love of her ... I should protest that
thou art my God for ever ... supply with the helps necessary to persevere, and to ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v that the happiness.htm

Letter ix. --The Love of Creatures and of God.
... merit, I can only congratulate you and exhort you to persevere. ... But self-love is
always anxious to feel and to enjoy; this cannot be, however, God does not ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter ix the love of creatures.htm

Of Holy Patience
... saith, that all things shall be turned to good for them that love God; and in ... for
he who overcometh himself shall overcome all his enemies and persevere in all ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter v of holy patience.htm

The Kingdom First.
... and speak them out at the footstool of God: "Anything, everything, for the Kingdom
of God." Persevere in that ... The presence of the love of God must every ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/v the kingdom first.htm

Of the Works which God Works in all in Common and of Five Kinds of ...
... God and love of sin vanquish and repulse love of God ... and can fulfil all virtues,
and can persevere in the ... he be in all things submissive to the grace of God. ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter v of the works.htm

Letter vi. --Fear Caused by Self-Love.
... Persevere in these dispositions, keep more on your guard than you ... against the secret
seekings of self-love, and you will find that the reign of God will be ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter vi fear caused by self-love.htm