Well, we had #justoneword a few weeks ago, so it seemed like a good idea to have just one question this week. Of course, you already know I had more than a few words to say about #justoneword, so don’t think you’ll get off easy with just one question. You know me better than that.
So here goes.
How much do you love God?
The Bible tells us how much we should love God in several verses
{ Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30-31, and Luke 10:27).
These verses make it pretty clear that we should love God with everything.
You likely already knew that, so why am I wasting your time here? Mostly because there is a big difference between should and do. Let me explain.
You see, lately I’ve had numerous encounters where my love of God has been tested by others. Not in one single instance have they asked me how much
I should love God. That would be too easy. I know the textbook answer to that one. Instead, they’ve tested me with how much I do love God.
Will I hold my tongue even if I’m right?
Will I bury my pride and humble myself?
Will I be kind when she has not?
Will I give and expect nothing in return?
Will I reach out even after being rejected?
Will I forgive without an apology?
The answer to each one of these questions tells me how much I love my “neighbor,” but first and foremost, it tells me how much I love God.
My response to others is always a reflection of my love for God.
My girls in prison know there is one thing I say often, “Don’t let someone else’s behavior dictate your response.” But the truth is this: We won’t have to worry about our response to others when we love God more.
The next time you’re tempted to fire off a quick comment on Facebook… ignore the homeless person asking for help… give a snippy retort to your spouse… join in the gossip… spew venom at the driver who pulled out in front of you… push your way ahead of someone else… refuse to listen because you know you’re right… sarcastically reply to someone’s not so smart question… hurt someone back… ask yourself just one question: How much do I love God?
When we love Him, we’ll love others.
know Him and make Him known,
