Love God: From Law to Grace
What is the most important thing in life? Why did God create us? What is the greatest thing we can do? Both the Old and New Testaments tell us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and strength.
This commandment is first stated in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Jesus affirmed this as the greatest and foremost commandment when questioned by religious leaders.
At first glance, this command seems beautiful and inspiring.
But initially, this is not merely a suggestion or good advice – it’s a divine law with profound consequences.
Yet, who among us can claim to love God perfectly, with every thought, emotion, and action?
The law doesn’t make us love God more – it exposes our idolatry and pronounces our condemnation.
The law, which is perfectly good and holy, doesn’t lead to life; it leads to death. It doesn’t make us love God more – it exposes our idolatry and pronounces our condemnation.
But here’s where the beauty of the gospel shines through. God, in His unfathomable love, doesn’t leave us in this hopeless state. No, He doesn’t lower the standard or erase the command. Instead, He fulfills it Himself through Jesus Christ.
Jesus lived the life we could never live; He loved the Father perfectly in every moment, every thought, every act. He then took upon Himself the full judgment that our failures deserved. He redeems us from the curse of the law. Through Jesus, our guilt is removed, and our relationship with God is restored.
This is the essence of grace. We move from striving to earn God’s love through impossible obedience to receiving His love freely given in His Son. Now, motivated by His love and empowered by His Spirit, we can begin to truly love God – not perfectly or immediately, but genuinely and increasingly.
Now, motivated by His love and empowered by His Spirit, we can begin to truly love God – not perfectly or immediately, but genuinely and increasingly.
So, how do we practically live out this greatest commandment in light of God’s grace? Deuteronomy 6 shows us a few key ways:
1. Hear and Know God’s Word: Our love for God grows as we internalize His truth. Make time to read, study, and meditate on Scripture.
“Hear, O Israel” (verse 4). “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart” (verse 6).
2. Teach Your Children: For parents, one of the most significant ways to love God is by diligently teaching your children about Him. Make faith discussions a natural part of everyday life.
“You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them.” (verse 7)
3. Be Faithful to God: Grace doesn’t make us casual in our relationship with God; it makes us loyal. Turn away from competing “gods” that vie for your devotion.
“You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, for the LORD your God in the midst of you is a jealous God.” (verses 14-15)
4. Choose to Obey: While our righteousness comes from Christ alone, our obedience is a powerful expression of love. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
“You should diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and His testimonies and His statutes which He has commanded you. You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you.” (verses 17-18)
It’s crucial to understand that these actions don’t earn God’s love – they are responses to the love we’ve already received. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
Likewise, we are no longer under the demands of the Law. We are free to love from the heart.
As we embrace God’s love in Christ, this grace-filled perspective, loving God becomes faith’s joyful response.
As we embrace God’s love in Christ, this grace-filled perspective, loving God becomes faith’s joyful response.
Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength remains the greatest thing we can do. Crazy how difficult it proves to be.
Yet, one day, we will see Him face to face, and our love will finally match both the perfection of His command and the desire of our new heart. Until then, press on, remember His love, and allow His grace to transform us day by day.