Ryan Daffron

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” — Deuteronomy 6:5

SOUNDING
These words come from what Israel calls the Shema, the central confession of their faith. Moses is preparing the people to enter the Promised Land, a place filled with other nations, other gods, and constant distractions. Before they step into that world, Moses anchors them in one command that sits at the center of everything: love the LORD your God. Not merely believe in Him, acknowledge Him, or occasionally remember Him. Love Him.

The command reaches into every layer of life. Heart speaks to the inner life, the seat of affection and desire. Soul speaks to the whole self, the depth of who you are. Strength points to the energy of your life, the actions, work, and effort that shape your days. Moses is not describing religious activity; he is describing orientation. The life of faith is meant to be centered, not scattered. When love for God sits at the center, every other part of life finds its proper place.

This is why Jesus later calls this the greatest commandment. Faith is not sustained by obligation alone. It is sustained by affection. When the heart truly leans toward God, obedience becomes alignment rather than burden. Loving God with the whole self is not about achieving spiritual intensity every moment. It is about allowing the direction of your life to be shaped by devotion to Him.

BEARING
Faith becomes whole when love for God moves from the edges of life to the center of it.

PRAYER
God, draw my heart toward You and deepen my love for You in every part of my life.

DROP IN
Tell God in your own words today why you love Him.