Key Verse:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:4–5 (NIV)
This powerful passage, known as the Shema, is considered one of the most sacred declarations in the Jewish faith. Recited daily by devout Jews, it was also affirmed by Jesus as the greatest commandment in all the Law (Matthew 22:37). At its core, it calls us to an all-consuming love for God-a love that saturates every part of our being: heart, soul, and strength.
However, when we reflect honestly, this command feels impossible. How can anyone truly love God all the time with all of their heart, soul, and strength? In our natural, fallen state, we simply can’t. This command reveals more than a goal-it exposes our spiritual condition. None of us, by our own effort, can fulfill such a standard. That’s why Jesus often challenged the Pharisees with the Law: not to shame them, but to awaken them to their need for a Savior. Without the cleansing of sin through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, loving God as we should is beyond reach.
But thank God-we are not without hope. Through Jesus, our hearts are cleansed, and the Spirit dwells within us. That doesn’t mean we instantly begin to love God perfectly, but it does mean we now have the power to grow in love. Like the father in Mark 9:24 who cried, “Help my unbelief,” we can come to God with humble hearts and ask, “Help me love you more.” This is not a love we manufacture; it is a love empowered by His Spirit.
As we walk with God through trials, blessings, waiting, and worship, our love for Him matures. New believers may feel overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, but deeper love often develops over time. It’s in the valley that we see His faithfulness. It’s through struggle that we learn His mercy. And it’s through consistent spiritual disciplines-prayer, Scripture, obedience, worship-that our love becomes rooted, unshakable, and all-encompassing.
We cannot love a God we do not know. That’s why our highest pursuit must be to know Him more. As we seek Him-truly seek Him-our affections grow. Our priorities shift. We become people marked by a desire to honor Him, obey Him, and make Him known. This is how we begin to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength-not perfectly, but increasingly, by the power of the Spirit, to the glory of God.
Prayer:
Father, I recognize that in my own strength, I cannot love you the way you deserve. But I thank you for your Spirit, who empowers me to grow in love for you. Teach me to seek you above all else. Help me to surrender every part of my heart, soul, and strength to you. Let my love for you grow deeper through every season of life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
