Week 5: How do I show my love for God?

This month we’ve learned that the Bible is true and trustworthy information from the heart of God. We’ve talked about how to meditate on Scripture with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and we’ve discussed ways to practice what the Bible says. It’s clear that we should build our lives on a commitment to Scripture, but today’s devotion unlocks the key reason for our obedience to God’s Word.

Be ready to read the following passage:

Let’s start it.

Ask each family member to share a favorite verse or passage of Scripture and tell why it means something special to him or to her. (Type key words into a search engine if you need help finding a verse.)

Let’s learn it.

Begin by reading Deuteronomy 6:1-9 together. Moses had just reminded the Israelites of the Ten Commandments and the other and laws God had given to His people (Deut. 5:6-21, 31). God’s law was to be in their hearts and always in their thoughts as a reminder of how He wanted them to live. Moses told them to love God completely and to show that love by honoring Him with everything they said and did.

Parents had the added responsibility to teach their children to know the Lord and to love and obey Him. Moses encouraged parents to repeat the truths of God’s Word at every opportunity so children would understand and obey His commandments. Scripture was to be taught in their day-to-day experiences at home so it would influence every part of their lives. Their love for God was shown by how well they obeyed His Word.

Your reason for obeying the Bible says a lot about you. Maybe you follow the Lord’s instructions simply because He’s God, and you always try to follow the rules. Perhaps you obey in hopes of getting the things you want from God. It’s good to recognize God’s authority, but He wants more than just your outward obedience. God wants you to obey Him because you love Him with every part of your being. It’s impossible to love God completely if you ignore His Word. As a matter of fact, truly loving the Lord with your whole heart is the best motivation for obedience.

Let’s discuss it.

  1. How does your family show love for God and His Word?
  2. Think back on the last week. What situation gave you a natural opportunity to talk about what God says in the Bible? Did you take that opportunity?
  3. How can parents teach their kids to know, love, and obey the Lord? Name ways that your parents have taught you to honor God.

Let’s do it.

Like the Israelites, we constantly need to be reminded of what God’s Word says. One of the best ways to do that is to put verses of Scripture where you can see them every day. Think of ways you can display the Bible verses you mentioned in Let’s start it so that the entire family can see them this week. You can use a verse in an art project, put it on a T-shirt, or simply write it on an index card for the refrigerator. You may even choose a special verse to display on the wall in the kitchen or family room.

Parents, will you take seriously the responsibility to teach God’s Word to your children? Kids, will you show your love for Jesus by obeying your parents and obeying Scripture? Try your best this week to honor the Lord with everything you say and do.