Introduction

The command to love God is a central tenet of the Christian faith, deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. This command is not merely an emotional or abstract concept but a directive that encompasses the entirety of a believer's life, influencing actions, thoughts, and relationships. The love for God is foundational to understanding the relationship between God and humanity and is pivotal in the life of a believer.

Old Testament Foundations

The command to love God is prominently featured in the Shema, a traditional Jewish prayer found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5: "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 comprehensive nature of the love required—encompassing heart, soul, and strength—indicating that love for God should permeate every aspect of one's being.

The command is reiterated throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing obedience and devotion as expressions of love. In Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Moses instructs the Israelites: "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?" . Here, love for God is linked with obedience to His commandments, suggesting that true love is demonstrated through faithful adherence to His will.

New Testament Affirmation

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the command to love God as the greatest commandment. In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus responds to a question about the greatest commandment by quoting the Shema: "Jesus declared, '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." . This declaration by Jesus highlights the continuity of this command from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing its enduring significance.

The apostle John further elaborates on the nature of love for God in his epistles. In 1 John 5:3, he writes, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." . This passage reinforces the idea that love for God is intrinsically linked to obedience, and that such obedience is not a burdensome duty but a joyful expression of love.

Theological Implications

The command to love God is not merely a directive but a reflection of God's nature and His desire for a relationship with humanity. God's love for humanity is demonstrated through His actions, most notably through the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, as an atoning sacrifice for sin. In response, believers are called to love God wholeheartedly, reflecting His love in their lives.

The command to love God also serves as a foundation for ethical and moral behavior. It is the basis for the second greatest commandment, to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39), indicating that love for God is inseparable from love for others. This interconnectedness of love for God and love for others is a hallmark of Christian ethics.

Practical Application

Loving God as a command requires intentionality and commitment. It involves prioritizing God in all aspects of life, seeking to know Him through Scripture, prayer, and worship. It also entails aligning one's actions with God's will, as revealed in His Word, and cultivating a heart that seeks to honor Him in all things.

Believers are encouraged to examine their lives regularly to ensure that their love for God is genuine and evident in their actions. This includes fostering a spirit of gratitude, humility, and service, recognizing that love for God is both a privilege and a responsibility.