You Must Choose to Love God

"That you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." (Deuteronomy 30:20 NIV)

Today we've bought into this myth that love is uncontrollable, that it's something that just happens to us; it's not something we control. In fact, even the language we use implies the uncontrollability of love. We say, "I fell in love," as if love is some kind of a ditch. It's like I'm walking along one day and - bam! - I fell in love. I couldn't help myself.
But I have to tell you the truth: That's not love. Love doesn't just happen to you. Love is a choice, and it represents a commitment.
There's no doubt about it: Attraction is uncontrollable, and arousal is uncontrollable. But attraction and arousal are not love. They can lead to love, but they are not love. Love is a choice.
You must choose to love God; he won't force you to love him (Deuteronomy 30:20). You can thumb your nose at God and go a totally different way. You can destroy your life if you choose to do that. God still won't force you to love him, because he knows love can't be forced.
This same principle is true about your relationships: You can choose to love others, but God won't force you to love anyone.
Talk About It

How is love received differently when it's understood that it is a choice?

What is the difference between love that is from God and love that is based on human understanding?

Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and most influential churches. Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller "The Purpose Driven Life." His book, "The Purpose Driven Church," was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. He is also the founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for pastors.
This devotional ©2012 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Comments

My trip back to Europe in ONE word (Part 1/2) - Coronavirus

It was a normal working day on a hot and usually dusty afternoon in Yaounde when I got the call to come and collect my Visa for my upcoming trip to Italy. I was elated. It had been 17 years since I had last seen my foster aunts and cousins. I was beside myself. I distinctly remember my trip back to wish my father goodbye and how emotional I was because I knew that somehow I will not see him for a long while. I remember the bus trip back to Yaounde and how surreal it all felt (especially since there was a job interview lined up in Munich). Me on the bus (in the middle of nowhere) on my way back to Yaounde. Clearly I was too excited to sleep (like someone next to me). I was already missing my lovely Cameroon. On the news, the coronavirus (covid-19) was beginning to show its ugly head in Italy and various other neighbouring countries. My aunt even told me to postpone my trip, but it was too late. I was already packed. Don't mess with a black man and his luggage! Me, mysel...

Affirming in Disagreement

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. - Proverbs 15:1 Do you know how to affirm your spouse even when you disagree? It's a big step in learning how to have meaningful conversations. Take this example: A wife has shared that she is hurt by something her husband has done, and he responds, "I appreciate your sharing your ideas and feelings with me. Now I can understand why you could feel so hurt. If I were in your shoes, I'm sure I would feel the same way. I want you to know that I love you very much, and it hurts me to see you upset. I appreciate your being open with me." This husband has learned the art of affirming his wife even though he may not agree with her perception. Of course, he has a perspective and will eventually share it, but first, he wants his wife to know that he understands what she is saying and can identify with her pain. He is not condemning her interpretation, nor is he telling her that she should not feel up...

Fun time at the Aerospace and Defence Air show

So it was a great time at the airshow whereby Samson got to see favourite toys in 'full-scale' size. This time around, he was accompanied by his cousin which made the event all the more exhausting for the toddler-sitters: my wife and I. Nevertheless, the exciting on their faces was all worth it. I guess the child-like spirit of turning your heads towards the skies, brims with joy and purpose of seeing the great feat of human-kind which has lasting effect. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many people making the trip to the airshow when the country is in such a disarray at government level. Then seeing the exciting faces makes you realize that the pride of a nation is not about those you see on TV or hear on radio: It's got to do the spirit of steadfastness and determination in the little (and not so little) boys and girls that have everything invested in seeing this beautifully diverse country succeed and be a land of equal opportunity for all. Let the dreams be ...

The Bandjoun nomad

Search This Blog