based on the sermon prepared and preached by Jeff Jantzi, January 12, 2025
In the ancient world, the concept of the soul was deeply intertwined with one’s entire being—body, breath, and spirit. In Hebrew thought, the word nephesh, often translated as “soul,” encompassed far more than just an immaterial essence; it referred to a person’s whole life, their desires, and their very breath. In Greek philosophy, the soul was seen as the eternal part of a person, distinct from the body. But biblical teaching bridges both these understandings—our soul is our whole self, animated by God’s breath, created to reflect Him.
So, what does it mean to love God with all our soul? The Bible provides answers. It teaches that our soul finds its true purpose and fulfillment in relationship with God. It reminds us that our soul is valuable, eternal, and meant to be surrendered to Him in love. Loving God with all our soul means offering our entire existence—our identity, purpose, and deepest longings—to Him.
How Do We Love God With All Our Soul?
- Find Your Identity in Him – The world often tells us that our worth is measured by success, achievements, or recognition. But Scripture reminds us that our true identity is found in Christ. “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) When we anchor our identity in Him, we live with confidence, security, and a sense of divine purpose. Our soul is not defined by external factors but by God’s love for us.
- Live With Eternal Perspective – We are often tempted to focus on temporary success, wealth, or status, but Jesus warns us against this kind of short-sighted living. “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36). Loving God with our soul means valuing what lasts forever—our relationship with Him, our spiritual growth, and our impact for His kingdom. Our soul longs for eternity, and we fulfill that longing by aligning our lives with what truly matters.
- Nourish Your Soul With His Presence – Just as our bodies require food and water, our souls need nourishment. Worship, prayer, and time in God’s Word replenish us spiritually. The psalmist expresses this longing beautifully: “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:2) When we prioritize time in His presence, our souls are strengthened and renewed. A neglected soul becomes weary, but a soul rooted in God thrives.
- Surrender to His Will – Loving God with our soul means trusting Him completely, even when life is uncertain. Jesus exemplified this in Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). Surrender is an act of love—it acknowledges that God’s plans are greater than our own. When we yield our souls to Him, we experience peace and purpose beyond our understanding.
- Align Your Desires With His – Our souls have deep longings—longings for meaning, love, and fulfillment. The world offers countless ways to satisfy these desires, but only God can truly satisfy the soul. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) Loving God with our soul means reshaping our desires to reflect His will, seeking first His kingdom, and trusting that He knows what is best for us.
Why Love God With All Our Soul?
Loving God with all our soul is not just a command—it is a source of abundant life. When we devote our whole being to Him, we experience true peace, joy, and fulfillment. Our soul was created to be in communion with its Creator, and apart from Him, we remain restless and unfulfilled. By surrendering our soul in love to God, we are drawn deeper into His presence, where we find purpose, guidance, and the assurance of eternal life. Loving God in this way transforms us, shaping our character, aligning our desires with His, and filling us with a love that overflows into every area of our lives.
A Question to Reflect On
How is your soul? Is it weary? Restless? Searching? In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, Jesus invites us to find rest in Him: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
May we love the Lord with all our soul—offering our very lives in worship, trust, and devotion to Him. When we do, we experience the fullness of life that only He can provide. Let us align our souls with His purpose, trusting that He alone is our source of true fulfillment and everlasting peace.
