Understanding the Greatest Commandment

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.—Deuteronomy 6:5

In Deuteronomy 6:5, God instructed His people: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Then, in Matthew 22:36–38, Jesus identified this as the greatest commandment—our highest calling, central purpose, and ultimate goal. That seems like a tall order. It can feel like an overwhelming challenge or just an abstract idea. So, this month we’re going to examine this commandment from all angles. We’ll pour over Bible passages that will challenge us to love God deeply—heart, mind, strength, and soul. Through this study, we pray that you will:

• Recognize the many ways in which we can love God
• Feel gratitude for His love, which compels us to respond
• Love God more deeply and fully

Your devotional author,
Kelli Worrall

BY Kelli Worrall

Kelli Worrall is Professor of Communications and Chair of the Division of Music and Media Arts at Moody Bible Institute. She is the author of several books, including Pierced and Embraced: 7 Life-Changing Encounters with the Love of Christ. Kelli studied at Cedarville University (BA), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MRE), and Roosevelt University (MFA). Kelli and her husband, Peter, are parents of two children through adoption and enjoy decorating their Craftsman house.

VOLUME 37 EDITION 2

Managing Editor: Jamie Janosz, Senior Editor: Elena Mafter, Contributing Editor: John Koessler, Writer: Kelli Worrall, Art Director: Lynn Gabalec, Graphic Designer: Rachel Hutcheson, Marketing: JD Hamby Production: Rhonda AuYeung