“Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”
—Matthew 7:21

I think sometimes we get confused about what it really means to love God. Sometimes we feel we love God because we’re singing a worship song, our hands are raised, and we’re feeling blessed by the beautiful worship music. Our hearts may be moved, and tears may come to our eyes, but I want you to know that loving God is not foremost about experiencing His Spirit’s presence through worship. People who really love God obey Him.

Jesus said in John 14:21, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” He didn’t say, “He who loves me will shed tears during the worship service.” Believe me, I know and agree that it is awesome to be touched by God while singing a worship song, but loving God is not first about feeling something. Love is primarily a decision of the will, and it is demonstrated through obedience.

This is seen throughout the Scriptures. The children of Israel were commanded to “love the Lord your God, and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments” (Deut. 11:1). And John wrote that “this is love, that we walk according to His commandments” (2 John 6). Again and again, loving God is linked to obedience.

Beloved, don’t be dependent on feelings. Make being obedient the primary focus of your life.

Father God, help me to love You with my obedience. Make me sensitive to Your Spirit so I can follow Your leading and not go my own way. Impart to me a holy fear of You, and train me to walk by faith and truth rather than by my feelings. Father, help me to love You with my life.

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Rivers of Revelation (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2020), Used by permission.