Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
“I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.” (1 Corinthians 7:32-35, NLT)
The love, devotion, and emotion that a man gives to his family—God desires even more from us. He longs for a deep connection with our hearts and souls.
What Does This Relationship with God Do?
Everything God does is for our good. His best is always for us, and He desires that we reciprocate His love. Too often, we reduce our relationship with God to a transaction—seeking only what He can do for us. But we should love Him for who He is, not just for what we can receive from Him.
With God, all that He has is available to us. Yet, His desire is not just to give us things but to have a genuine love-filled relationship with us.
God Wants a Love Relationship
God desires romance from us—a relationship full of love and affection. Our prayers should be moments of intimacy with Him, not merely requests for blessings. We should seek Him because we love Him, not just because we want something from Him.
It is crucial to love God with our heart, soul, and mind.
A Warning from Revelation
Revelation 2:1-4
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands: ‘I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!” (Revelation 2:1-4, NLT)
This passage reminds us that God values our heart and affection above our acts of service. The church in Ephesus was diligent in service, but they had lost their first love. Likewise, in our Christian walk, we can become mechanical—doing all the right things but without true love for God.
David: A Man After God’s Heart
David was a man after God’s own heart because he pursued God’s heart above all else. Psalm 63:1-8
“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” (Psalm 63:1-8, NLT)
This passage shows how, even in the wilderness, during war, and under affliction, David longed for God. He recognized that God’s love is better than life itself. Day and night, David meditated on God, constantly praising and seeking Him—not for what he could receive but because he truly loved Him.
Return to Your First Love
God calls us to return to our first love—not loving Him for what He can give, but simply for who He is. Our hearts should be fully devoted to Him, and the meditations of our hearts should continually be on Him.
The call today is to give God your whole heart. Let your heart be totally found in Him.
