Imagine a man who is only interested in a woman because of her looks or physical attraction. If she says no, he walks away without a second thought. Or think about a wife who leaves her husband for another man, not because she loves him, but because he offers more wealth. How would that feel? This is often how we treat God. We go to Him asking for things we want in life, and when we don’t get them, we start to doubt Him or even turn away. But how do you think God feels when we only come to Him because we want something, rather than because we truly love Him?
Jesus commanded us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). But what does that really mean?
First, this commandment calls us to love God above anything else; that Him filling our heart, mind and soul is enough. That He alone suffices. Our hearts should be so filled with love for God that just knowing He is with us is enough. If we love something else other than God in our hearts, we do not love Him. If we keep something else in our mind other than God, we do not love Him. If our soul wants anything more than His presence, we do not love God. If we love anything more than God—whether it’s money, success, or even other people—then we’re not truly loving Him as we should. The Bible clearly says:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
Anything that takes God’s place in our hearts, minds and souls is an idol. We should find joy in His presence alone, even in our loneliest moments, because we know He is always with us.
Second, loving God means loving Him despite no gain. Loving God means loving Him even when there is nothing to gain. This is the kind of love that isn’t dependent on what we can receive but is rooted in a deep, unwavering devotion. It’s easy to praise God when life is going well—when we’re healthy, financially stable, and surrounded by loved ones. But what happens when these things are taken away? What happens when we face loss, suffering, and uncertainty? This is when our love for God is truly tested.
Imagine losing everything—your wealth, health, and the people you hold dear. Would your faith in God remain strong? Would you still be able to lift your hands in praise, even when your heart is heavy with grief? These are not easy questions, but they reveal the depth of our love for God. True love for God persists even when there is no reward, no tangible benefit, and no visible blessing.
Job, a figure in the Bible, exemplifies this kind of love. Job was a man who had everything—wealth, health, and family. But in a series of devastating events, he lost it all. Despite his profound suffering, Job did not curse God. Instead, he declared:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21)
Job’s response is remarkable because it shows that his love for God was not based on what God could give him. Even when everything was stripped away, Job remained faithful. He understood that God’s worth is not tied to the blessings He provides but is inherent in who God is. Job’s story teaches us that true love for God endures, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
This kind of love requires us to shift our perspective. In a world that often values transactions—where love and loyalty are sometimes conditional—we are called to a higher standard. Loving God without expecting anything in return means surrendering our desires and trusting that God’s presence is enough. It’s a love that says, “Even if I lose everything, even if I walk through the darkest valleys, I will still follow You because You are enough.”
This is not a love that comes naturally. It requires growth, maturity, and a deepening relationship with God. It calls us to let go of the idea that God is merely a provider of blessings and to embrace the truth that His presence is the greatest blessing of all. When we reach this point, our love for God becomes unshakable. It sustains us through life’s highs and lows, through the times of plenty and the times of want.
Moreover, this love transforms our lives. When we love God for who He is, our faith becomes resilient. We no longer waver when trials come because our foundation is solid. We find peace in His presence, even when the world around us is chaotic. We become a testament to others, showing that true love for God is not dependent on circumstances but on an enduring trust in His goodness and sovereignty.
Let us strive to cultivate this kind of love in our hearts—a love that doesn’t ask, “What can God do for me?” but instead declares, “God, I love You for who You are.” Let’s follow Him not because we seek blessings but because His presence is our greatest treasure. This is the love that will sustain us, anchor us, and carry us through every challenge we face. It’s the love that God desires from us and the love that will bring us closer to Him.