God’s Love Relationship

God created mankind to have a love relationship with him. In fact, this love relationship is real and it is personal to each of us. In other words, God pursues a continuing real and personal love relationship with you and with me. And to be loved by God is the highest relationship, the highest achievement, and the highest position in life.[1] Furthermore, God takes the initiative to bring you and me into this relationship. However, when we are brought into this love relationship, God wants us to love him with all of our being.

In Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Moses told the people of Israel this, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Our love of God must be characterized by a life where our walk with God is the single most important aspect of our life.

            Author Rhea Miller, in his hymn “I’d Rather have Jesus,” paints a clear picture of the life where love of God is front and center:

I’d rather have Jesus than silver and gold.

I’d rather be His than have riches untold;

I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,

I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause,

I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;

I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,

I’d rather be true to His holy name.

He’s faired than lilies of rarest bloom,

He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;

He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,

I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

Refrain

Than to be the king of a vast domain

Or be held in sin’s dread sway;

I’d rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.[2]

I’d rather have Jesus. How about you?

In Christ,