We have all probably heard someone say, “I love the Lord,” or “I love Jesus.” Have you ever wondered what that really means? Obviously, it can mean different things to different people. Unfortunately, there are some (many?) who say, “I love Jesus” with all of the emotional maturity of a junior high school kid writing “I Heart Jesus” on the front of their notebook.
What does it mean to love the Lord? The Bible tells us that to love the Lord requires an all-consuming love. It says in Deut. 6:5 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” Anything less than loving Him with all we are and all we have is insufficient.
The Bible also gives us a meter to measure our love for God. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) It is really pretty simple. If we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments. Our lack of obedience shows our lack of love. Do you love the Lord? Check the Love Meter. Your obedience to God’s commandments is a direct measure of you love for Him. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” (I John 5:3)
Pastor Haney
