Matthew 22:37-38

“Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”

Jesus doubles down on the first of the Ten Commandments in Matthew chapter 22. But how exactly can we love God, in a practical sense?

First, let’s identify who it is in this passage that we are called to love.

The Lord your God. The word “Lord” here is translated “master.” I have written before about submitting to God as Lord, the One we obey at all times, who we relinquish control of our lives to. Have you surrendered to the will of your Master? The word “God” in this text is translated, “supreme magistrate.” Have you allowed God to be the most supreme in your life? Have you allowed Him to preside over your life and have the final say?

Second, how are we called to love God?

❤️With all your heart, which means thoughts and feelings. Are your thoughts focused on the Lord and His Word throughout the day? (Philippians 4:8) Do you allow your feelings to control your life or do your emotions and feelings line up with what the Bible says? Go to biblegateway.com and do a word search on “meditate” if you want to learn how to focus your thoughts and feelings on the Word of God. King David was an expert at refocusing his wild emotions and thoughts to God!

❤️With all your soul, which means “the seat of feelings, desires, affections, and aversions.” That word “seat” is referring to the base or foundation of something. What is the foundation for your life? Is it Jesus? When Jesus is our foundation, all our wants and desires become His wants and desires. Do you know that as a disciple of Jesus, you are actually seated with Him in heavenly places? (Ephesians 2:6) If we can get this revelation, then our feelings, desires, affection and fears all begin to line up with who we are in Christ…seated with Him in heavenly places (in the spirit)!

❤️With all your mind, which means your imagination and your understanding. When I think of imagination, I think of all the ways we can go to “worst case scenario” in our minds. Fear of what could happen, negativity, etc. Are we handing that over to God? Are we allowing the peace that surpasses all understanding to guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus? (Philippians 4:6) We can take captive every thought and vain imagination that doesn’t agree with the Word of God! (2 Corinthians 10:4-6) His perfect love casts out all fear! (I John 4:18)

How do we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind? By submitting to Him as Lord and Master. Mediate on His Word. Rely on Him totally. Cast our cares upon Him. Realize who we are in Christ and take our rightful place as His heirs.

Hmm…interesting. When we obey this first commandment to love God, it is actually for OUR benefit. Our God IS Love! He’s self-sacrificing and ever ready to meet us where we are. He’s the definition of true love. ❤️