Loving God is a choice. We show our love for God by following His commands.
Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:23-26 NIV)
Remember, God wants to walk with you. He want's a positive, healthy relationship with you. Obeying commands isn't just about obeying commands. It's about faith. It's about trust. It's about love. Do I believe God actually created the heavens and the earth, still holds all things together, and designed me in His image? Do I trust that God want's to work all things together for my good? Do I love God enough to simply do what He asks me to do?
Love for God can fill my heart. Love for God is a battle in my mind. Love for God, however, begins with faith: trusting God in everything.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
We can't see into the spiritual realm, but God can. We can't see everything that goes on even in the physical realm, but God does. We haven't designed all of creation, experienced all of history, and built a plan for eternity, but God has. A sincere faith in God trusts that God has handled all the big problems so far, so God is fully capable of handling the ones we face today. Sincere faith, knows that God works all things together for those who love God (Romans 8:28), so we love God and then trust God with the rest.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
We love God when we renew our minds with God's picture, God's design, and God's instructions, leading us to God's will. We take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), showing God our love even in our minds. Our conscience is clear when we follow the thoughts from God and throw away the thoughts not from God. This is our spiritual act of worship. This is loving God.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms 139:23-24 NIV)
A heart that loves God is open to God in every area and in every way. Nothing is hidden before God anyway, but that doesn't mean we want God to see it all. A heart that loves God opens itself up to God and allows God to heal any parts that are broken. When we love God with our whole heart, we are lead in His ways everlasting.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)
A heart that loves God is open to God in every area and in every way. Nothing is hidden before God anyway, but that doesn't mean we want God to see it all. A heart that loves God opens itself up to God and allows God to heal any parts that are broken. When we love God with our whole heart, we are lead in His ways everlasting.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)
At the same time Jesus told us to love him by keeping commands, Jesus also told us that keeping those commands will bring us peace. Our hearts will not be troubled. Our consciences will not bother us. Our sincere faith will bring us peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and we will experience the blessings that come with the love of God.
How about you? Do you love God? Do you experience the blessings of His love?
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