If someone were to ask, “Do you love the Lord?” most of us would quickly answer, “Yes, certainly!” But love is more than just a feeling or a claim; it’s demonstrated in action. Jesus Himself said, “If anyone loves Me, he will follow My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him” (John 14:23, NASB). He also stated plainly, “The one who does not love Me does not follow My words” (John 14:24, NASB).
So how can we determine if we truly love the Lord? The way we live and the choices we make every day reveal whether our love for God is genuine. Let us consider a few key questions that help us evaluate our love for the Lord.
Do You Strive to Be Where God Is?
We are naturally drawn to spend time with those we love. Likewise, our love for God should drive us to be where He is. Jesus said, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20, NASB). Gathering for worship is one way we come into God’s presence.
The writer of Hebrews exhorts us, “not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25, NASB). David declared, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let’s go to the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1, NASB). If we neglect worship or avoid being with God’s people, it shows we are not loving Him as we should.
Do You Listen to God’s Voice Daily?
How much time do you spend studying God’s word? Loving God means cherishing His voice and delighting in His word. Scripture reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NASB). God speaks to us through His word, providing guidance, encouragement, and instruction.
If we neglect the study of Scripture, we are not prioritizing our relationship with God. Paul encourages us to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB). Daily time in the Bible demonstrates our desire to know and love Him more.
Do You Talk to God Daily?
We communicate with the people we love, and prayer is how we talk with God. Jesus taught His disciples “that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged” (Luke 18:1, NASB). Paul echoes this instruction, saying, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NASB).
Talking with God daily shows that we value our relationship with Him. Prayer not only allows us to share our needs and burdens but also deepens our trust and reliance on Him. If we rarely pray, it may be a sign that our love for God is not as strong as we think.
Do You Regularly Commune with the Lord?
Spending time with the Lord in worship and fellowship is another way to express our love. In the early church, believers gathered regularly to break bread and remember Jesus’ sacrifice. “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them” (Acts 20:7, NASB). The Lord’s Supper is a time to commune with Christ and reflect on His love for us.
If we love God, we will eagerly participate in this time of remembrance, honoring His sacrifice and renewing our commitment to Him.
Do You Give as You Have Prospered?
Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21, NASB). Our willingness to give reflects the depth of our love and trust in God. Paul instructed the Corinthians, “Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NASB).
If we claim to love God but are unwilling to support His work or help those in need, our actions reveal the true condition of our hearts. Generosity is a tangible expression of our love for the Lord.
Are You Striving to Win God’s Approval in All Things?
When we love someone, we strive to please them. Paul writes, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9, NASB). Loving God means seeking His approval in every area of our lives, from our words and actions to our thoughts and motivations.
If we spend our time trying to please ourselves or others while neglecting God’s will, we are not truly loving Him as we should. Paul warns, “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10, NASB).
Conclusion: The Evidence of Love
Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NASB), and, “You are My friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14, NASB). True love for God is demonstrated through obedience, devotion, and a desire to please Him. As John writes, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3, NASB).
Take a moment to reflect on your love for the Lord. Are you striving to be where He is, listening to His voice, talking to Him daily, and seeking His approval in all things? These are the marks of a heart that truly loves God. Let us renew our commitment to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and live in a way that honors Him every day.
The Simple Gospel 