Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

As written in Deuteronomy 6:5, and as restated by Jesus in Mark 11:30, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

How this translates into action on our part is in obedience to His commandments (as Jesus also said in John 14:15 and John 14:23). For Christians, the true test of their love for God is obedience -- not out of compulsion, or in the hope of gaining something from it, but as a free and willing expression of gratitude and thankfulness to God for the forgiveness of sins and the eternal life that He has made possible and already granted to them through Christ.

This obedience is made particularly evident in the way Christians treat others -- reflecting their professed love for God in their actions toward other people the same love and forgiveness that God has shown toward them. Such actions have greater value in God's eyes than any external show of submission or obedience to God that is not accompanied by love toward others (Mark 12:28-34)..

December 10 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

STANLEY S. DRANE

I'm glad you asked. We see in Deuteronomy 6:5 (Joseph Benson Commentary) we must love him, (the Lord thy God) 1st, with a sincere love, not in words and in tongue only, saying that we love him, when our hearts are not with him. 2nd, with a strong love, the heart must be carried out toward him, with great ardor (love), and fervency of affection. 3rd, with a superlative love, we must love God above any creature whatsoever, and love nothing besides him, but what we love for him, and in subordination to him. 4th, with an intelligent love, or with all our understanding, as it is explained (Mark 12:33).

February 01 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report