How to Deepen Your Relationship with God: Loving Him Above All

"Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: '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 mind and with all your strength.'" (Mark 12:28-30)

In these powerful verses, we find the essence of having a relationship with God. Loving Him isn’t just a part of our spiritual journey; it is the journey. 

But how can we truly deepen our relationship with God and love Him above all else in a world of distractions?

First and foremost, loving God starts with recognizing who He is – our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior. This recognition fuels our desire to know Him more intimately. How can we love someone we don't understand? 

Therefore, knowing God is the first step towards loving Him. And how do we know God? Through His Word. The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s a living conversation between God and us. 

By spending time in His Word, we allow God to speak into our lives, guiding, comforting, and revealing the depths of His love for us.

Prayer is another vital aspect of deepening our relationship with God. It’s our direct line of communication with Him. Think of it as talking with a dear friend, not a distant, unapproachable being. 

In prayer, we pour our hearts and share our joys, worries, and doubts. It’s in these honest conversations that our relationship with God grows stronger.

Now, loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength – that’s a tall order. It’s an all-encompassing love. Loving God with all our hearts means our desires and affections are centered on Him. 

It’s a love that overflows from the deepest part of our being. Loving Him with all our souls means our life finds its purpose and meaning in Him. It’s the kind of love that touches every aspect of our existence.

What about loving God with all our minds? 

This means our thoughts and our focus are aligned with Him. It’s about filling our minds with what pleases Him, which often means going against what the world deems necessary. 

And finally, loving God with all our strength. This is about our actions. It's how we use our resources, time, and talents. Do they reflect a life dedicated to God?

But let’s be honest, this isn’t easy. We're human. We get distracted, stumble, and sometimes prioritize other things over God. That’s why it’s important to remember that this journey is continuous. Every day is an opportunity to grow closer to Him, to choose Him first.

And in this journey, community plays a crucial role. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who encourage, challenge, and walk with us is invaluable. They remind us of God’s truths when we forget and stand with us in prayer when we’re weak.

In loving God above all, our hearts become more like His. We start to see the world through His eyes – with love, compassion, and grace. And as we grow in our love for God, we naturally start to love what He loves – people. Our relationships with others begin to reflect His love and grace.

Read More: Taking Bold Steps for God: Nurturing an Active Spiritual Life