Sometimes love is described as a feeling, but, biblically, it is an effort. If we think carefully, we will realize that our most significant “loves” in this lifetime have been those relationships we’ve deeply valued. That is why the commandment is to “love the Lᴏʀᴅ your God” with great effort. God knew if we truly loved him, we would value and worship him as our King.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The best way to align our lives with God is to love him, with “all” our heart, soul, and might. Our most important effort isn’t trying to be obedient; it is choosing to love God. When we love God, our devotion to him is likely to follow.

We shouldn’t be surprised that the world has defined love differently than Scripture. We don’t always feel love for the people we love. In fact, the deepest loves are those whom we love and who love us despite the way we make them feel at times. Most parents love their children every moment of their lives, even when love isn’t what they are most feeling or thinking about at the time. That is the way we are loved by God all of the time. God’s love is born of his perfect character, and God is love. 

God’s priorities are always wisdom and always motivated by his love. He made the supreme effort to show his love for us by giving us his Son. God has called us to love him for the sake of our souls so that we will desire to know him and value his wisdom. 

Will you make every effort to love God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might? 

That priority is wisdom and worth every effort.