LOVING GOD MORE

We love Him because He first

loved us.

I John 4:19

Brian and I had dated only a couple of months when he first told me he loved me. I was rather surprised as I had never felt anyone could love me in a romantic way. I knew I had deep feelings for him but his declaring his love for me created in me a desire to know and even love him more than I felt I already did.

When all this came about, I purchased a small spiral notebook and it was my Brian book. I wrote all sorts of notations in that book regarding things I was learning about him. I listed and kept adding to the pages things that were mostly favorites of his that had to do with a little of everything. I made note of the things he mentioned that were special in the way of food, entertainment, Bible books/verses, special interests and on and on it went. In a short time, I could open that notebook and find my heart beating a little faster as I reviewed all of those interesting things about him.

It concerns me at times that I don't love God as much as I ought to love Him. This isn't a question of salvation but of a maturing relationship on my part. There are so many things in our lives and culture that are grabbing for our attention on a regular basis. We can be easily sidetracked from things that have real meaning in our lives, especial those things with spiritual and eternal meaning.

Having a spirit of gratitude is one means of loving God more as it focuses our attention on His goodness. When I had my knee replacement, Brian waited on me hand and foot. I often thanked him even for little things and he would tell me that it's just what we do. I think deep down, he liked being appreciated.

God does so much more for us than any human being and we will know that as we spend more time in God's Word. His Word shouldn't just be words we scan but a means of knowing and loving God more and better. It may not be in the form of a small spiral notebook but His Word still speaks of His assuring the eternal love.

Father, I love You but want so much to love You more. You are consistently so good to me and showing Your love for me. May I read Your love letter with appreciation and a growing love. In Jesus' precious and loving name....Amen