In part one, we talked about how to love the Lord your God with all your heart (Mark 12:29-30). However, verse 30 goes on to explain that you should also love the Lord with your soul, mind, and strength.
The word soul in the Greek is the word “psuche.” For the Hebrews, the soul was the seat and center of life that transcends the earthly existence.
They believed the soul entered paradise after death and must remain focused on eternity.
Using this perspective, how do you love the Lord with your soul?
We hear all the time about making wise choices. But when you realize the impact every choice has upon your soul – and thus on your relationship with God – you understand that each choice needs to be directed toward God.
A bad decision can guide the destiny of life away from God, therefore all life options need to be with reference to the angle God would have.
Next, it is imperative that God’s people follow his Word. John 14:15 says, “If you love me you will keep my commands.”
Finally, it is necessary to be humble in attitude and speech.
Everyone has been hurt by the words of someone else. Matthew 12:34 is clear that, “The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”
Are you hurting yourself life with your own words?
Many people continue to berate themselves with things they did years ago. They relive their mistakes by continuing to bring them up, and therefore diminishing the life God has for them going forward. If one has asked forgiveness, then the Lord has forgiven and forgotten.
All too often these mistakes and errors are repeatedly brought up.
For a person to love God with their soul, the past must be released to the Lord and the focus must be on the future.
The Christian must stop bringing up the past because the Lord doesn’t.
Each one must forgive himself or herself and look forward to the good things the Lord has ahead. This will keep you focused on eternity and allow you to love God with your whole soul.
In Part 3, we will discuss how to love God with your mind.
James and Cindi Runyon 