How to Build a Deep and Lasting Relationship with God
A true relationship is built on intimacy, effective communication, friendship, respect, and understanding. This holds true when it comes to our relationship with God. The ultimate goal of this relationship is to know Him better and draw closer to Him because we love Him. But how do we show God that love? How can we truly please Him?
Let’s explore how to build a meaningful relationship with God by focusing on love and obedience, guided by His Word.
The Greatest Commandment: Loving God
In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus answers a profound question:
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
And Jesus replied to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The whole Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Loving God is the first and greatest commandment. But how do we demonstrate this love? The answer lies in 1 John 5:3:
“For the true love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult to obey.”
The essence of loving God is obedience. It’s not about mere words but action. As the Bible reminds us, “obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Obedience proves our love for Him.
How to Cultivate Obedience
- Meditating on God’s Word
Psalm 1:2 teaches us:
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.”
To obey God, we must first delight in His Word. This delight comes from meditating on His teachings day and night. It transforms our hearts and minds, renewing us (Romans 12:2) and guiding us into a lifestyle of obedience. This is how we prove our love for God—by living according to His Word.
The Second Commandment: Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself
Jesus pairs the command to love God with an equally vital instruction: to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love has two key components:
1. Loving Yourself Through God
True self-love begins with God. 1 John 4:7 reminds us:
“Beloved, let us love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
God is the source of all love. To love ourselves, we must obey His commandments. These commandments are not restrictive; they are designed for our benefit and prosperity. By following them, we align ourselves with His purpose and care for our well-being. This obedience is the highest form of self-love.
2. Loving Your Neighbor Through God
Just as we learn to love ourselves through God, we can only truly love others through Him. Again, 1 John 4:7 explains that those who love others are “born of God.” This transformation comes from being renewed in mind and spirit, allowing us to desire and obey God’s will. By following His commandments on how to treat others, we reflect His love to those around us.
Practical Steps to Build Your Relationship with God
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Commit to Daily Prayer and Worship Spend time in God’s presence, sharing your heart and listening for His guidance.
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Immerse Yourself in Scripture Regularly read and meditate on the Bible to understand God’s will and grow in your knowledge of Him.
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Obey God’s Commandments Demonstrate your love for God by aligning your actions with His teachings.
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Serve Others Love your neighbors by putting their needs above your own and extending grace and kindness.
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Reflect on God’s Love Remember that God’s commandments are for your good. Reflect on His love and let it motivate your obedience.
Building a relationship with God is a lifelong journey that requires commitment, love, and obedience. As you meditate on His Word, delight in His presence, and follow His commandments, you’ll find your relationship with Him growing deeper and richer. And as you love yourself and others through Him, you’ll reflect the transformative power of His love to the world.
Let’s strive to live out this love every day, honoring God in all that we do.
