How to Love God Above Earthly Relationships

To love God more than any earthly affection, you must recognize that He is the source of all love and that true peace is found only when worldly interests are made subordinate to His serviceCOL 223.1+1. While human relationships are precious, an inordinate attachment to any person can become an idol that steals your heart away from your Creator2BC 1011.7+1.

Prioritize the Knowledge of God

• Acquaint Yourself with Him: Loving God starts with knowing Him, for it is impossible to love someone you do not knowPTUK November 23, 1893, page 539.3. As you study His character, you will find He is infinitely lovablePTUK November 23, 1893, page 539.3.

• Study the Sacrifice of Christ: Reflecting on the infinite cost of your redemption will uproot selfishness and transform your soulST February 5, 1894, par. 6. Seeing the Father revealed in the Son’s life of self-sacrifice reveals a love that passes finite comprehension1888 267.8+1.

• Daily Devotion: Center your thoughts on heavenly things rather than your own fancies or earthly enjoymentsPH097 53.1+1. This transformation into the likeness of Christ occurs through constant contemplation of things aboveRH May 11, 1886, par. 4.

The Practical Exercise of Love

• Keep His Commandments: True love is not a mere feeling or dreamy sentimentality; it is expressed through tangible actions and obedience to God’s lawHDTG 3.2. You cannot claim to love God if you fail to do the things He says John 14:15HDTG 3.2.

• Love Others Unselfishly: Genuine love for God will naturally manifest as a tender, compassionate spirit toward everyone around youST January 13, 1888, par. 5. This love is an underlying principle that does not shower affection only on a few favorites while remaining cold toward others who need itST September 12, 1895, par. 4.

• Practice Benevolence: Exercise your spiritual powers through acts of service and self-denialFE 280.1+1. Just as an unused arm becomes weak, your love for God will only flourish if it is cultivated through practiceFE 280.1.

Yield Your Will Fully

• Total Consecration: Establishing a spiritual relationship with God requires supreme preference and the yielding of your entire will to His divine willPH001 13.2. You must place His service above every earthly and selfish considerationCOL 223.1.

• Seek His Kingdom First: Instead of allowing worldly plans to absorb your time, make the kingdom of God your first priority Matthew 6:33RH February 23, 1905, par. 18. When you trust that God means to do you good, your worries about the future will disappear as your will is swallowed up in HisYI January 6, 1898, par. 5.

• Pray for a Sound Experience: Send forth earnest, agonizing prayers for a genuine experience in the love of GodPH097 53.1+1. He is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest child who feels their need of HimST December 23, 1889, par. 4.

By focusing on the beauty of Christ’s character and choosing to serve Him with your actions, your heart's best and holiest affections will naturally entwine around HimRH May 30, 1882, par. 13+1. 🌟