Deuteronomy 6:5 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength”
In Deuteronomy 6, Moses lays out what are the essentials expectations regarding Israel’s relationship to GOD! It is worth reading verses 1-4 as it gives the context for this all-important teaching/instruction from Deut. 6;5.
“Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the rules, that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, 2 that you may fear the LORD your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all His statutes and His commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. 3 Hear, therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey. 4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
With the foundation laid to obey God’s commands, Moses now gives the command of commands in verse 5, saying, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This is what God expects above all the other commandments!
How do we know that this is the most important of the commands? When Jesus was asked to tell what He believed to be the greatest Commandment, there may have been many thinking that He would pick from the Ten Commandments. While Deuteronomy 6:5 is not part of the Ten Commandments, Jesus stated that this is the greatest of all the commandments, for it speaks of our relationship with God. This love for God is an all-consuming love that is emotional (heartfelt) as well as active. Our love for God is shown in our worship of Him, giving adoration and praise to Him. But it is also shown in work as our love wants to do for Him what He desires. We are His available servants.
As you ponder loving the Lord, ponder first His love displayed at Calvary, as it was His love for you that had Him and held Him on that cross, dying for you! May His heart of love generate in your heart an intense awe, gratitude. and love! May it move you to sing “I love you Lord” and say “Here I am Lord!”
I would ask, is there anything or anyone that you love more than God? If so, what adjustments need to be made?
Continue Strong, loving the One who LOVES you,
And remember to daily DATE the Word