Loving God with everything we have is the first and greatest call on our lives.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”Matthew 22:37 (KJV)
What does “Devotion” mean in Matthew 22:37?
The Greek verb for love here is agapao, the action form of agape, a love that chooses and gives. Jesus lists heart, soul, and mind to show that no part of us is left out.
Going deeper
Jesus was asked which commandment is the greatest, and He answered by quoting the ancient words Israel prayed every day. Notice how much He includes. Heart is our desires, soul is our life and energy, and mind is how we think. Love for God is not only an emotion on a good Sunday. It is a way of living that reaches into what we want, how we spend ourselves, and what we let ourselves think about.
That can sound like too much until we remember that this kind of love is a response. We love because He first loved us. Devotion grows the way any love grows, through time spent together, honest words, and choosing to stay faithful on ordinary days. Consider which part of you is most easily left out of your love for God, your feelings, your schedule, or your thoughts. Bring that part to Him today, and give it back to Him on purpose.
Reflect
Which part of you, heart, soul, or mind, most needs to be handed back to God today?
Pray
Lord, I want to love You with all that I am. Show me the parts of my life I have held back, and teach me to give them to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
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