Loving God And Loving Others Series

LOVING GOD AND LOVING OTHERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 22:36-40

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Leviticus 19:18, John 13:34-35, Romans 13:8-10, 1 John 4:20-21

INTRODUCTION:

One of the most profound teachings of Jesus centres on the dual commandment: love God and love your neighbour. These two principles are the foundation of all Christian living and summarise the entire law and the prophets. In a world where love is misunderstood, misapplied, and often conditional, the Bible calls believers to a higher, divine standard of love—one that begins with God and extends to others.

Loving God is not just a feeling or a verbal confession; it is a lifestyle of devotion, obedience, and intimacy with the Father. When we truly love God, it naturally overflows into loving others, because we begin to see people the way God sees them. It is impossible to claim a close walk with God while harbouring hatred or bitterness toward fellow humans.

As we study this topic, we will explore what it means to love God wholeheartedly and how that love must translate into sincere, practical love for others. This is not only the evidence of our faith, but also the greatest commandment we are called to obey.

1. LOVING GOD WITH YOUR WHOLE BEING

Loving God must be intentional and total—it involves every part of who we are.

a) LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART – DEUTERONOMY 6:5

Loving God begins from the heart, where desires and affections are formed. Our love must not be divided or casual.

b) OBEYING GOD IS PROOF OF OUR LOVE – JOHN 14:15

Love for God is not only emotional but visible in our daily obedience to His Word and commands.

c) WORSHIP IS A RESPONSE TO DIVINE LOVE – ROMANS 12:1

Presenting ourselves as living sacrifices is an act of worship rooted in love.

d) FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD KEEPS LOVE ALIVE – PSALM 42:1–2

A life that seeks God continually expresses true love through hunger and devotion.

Biblical Example: David’s love for God was demonstrated through his worship, repentance, and desire for God's presence (Psalm 63:1).

2. LOVING OTHERS AS GOD COMMANDS

Loving people is a direct extension of loving God, and it reflects His nature in us.

a) LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF – LEVITICUS 19:18

We are called to treat others with the same dignity, compassion, and care we desire.

b) LOVE IDENTIFIES US AS JESUS’ DISCIPLES – JOHN 13:34–35

The world recognises our faith not by our words, but by the way we love one another.

c) LOVE FULFILS THE LAW – ROMANS 13:8–10

Every commandment is rooted in love. When we love, we do no harm to others.

d) PRACTICAL LOVE REQUIRES ACTION – 1 JOHN 3:17–18

True love goes beyond words; it meets the needs of others and bears their burdens.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan demonstrated love by showing mercy to a stranger in need (Luke 10:30–37).

3. LOVE BREAKS BARRIERS AND BUILDS UNITY

Genuine love is the healing balm in relationships, churches, and communities.

a) LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS – 1 PETER 4:8

When we truly love, we forgive, overlook faults, and choose peace over offence.

b) GOD IS LOVE, AND WE MUST REFLECT HIM – 1 JOHN 4:7–8

Since love originates from God, those who are born of God must walk in love.

c) DIVINE LOVE UNITES THE BODY OF CHRIST – COLOSSIANS 3:14

Love binds believers together in harmony and maturity.

d) BITTERNESS AND HATRED ARE SIGNS OF A SPIRITUAL PROBLEM – 1 JOHN 4:20–21

We cannot claim to love God and hate our brother; true love reveals the heart of God.

Biblical Example: Jesus loved even His betrayer, Judas, and called him “friend” at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:50).

4. LOVE IS THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT AND GIFT

All our gifts, works, and sacrifices mean nothing without love.

a) LOVE IS THE GREATEST OF ALL – 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13

Among faith and hope, love stands as the supreme virtue.

b) WITHOUT LOVE, OUR WORKS ARE EMPTY – 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1–3

No matter how gifted or sacrificial we are, love gives value to our efforts.

c) LOVE IS A SPIRITUAL FRUIT – GALATIANS 5:22

True love is a product of the Holy Spirit and must be cultivated daily.

d) GOD’S LOVE IN US ENABLES US TO LOVE OTHERS – ROMANS 5:5

The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts so we can love like Him.

Biblical Example: Stephen prayed for those stoning him, showing the depth of God’s love even in suffering (Acts 7:60).

CONCLUSION:

Loving God and loving others are not optional—they are essential. These two commands encapsulate the heart of Christianity. When we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we are empowered to love people even when it’s difficult. Love is what makes our faith credible, our witness powerful, and our relationships peaceful.