It is critical to examine what the scripture says are the components of genuine love for God. We, therefore, need to examine in greater details what/how Jesus further describes this “love” for Him by examining His words on love for Him and some case studies on peoples’ love for Him.
(4.1) The Great Commandment (Read Mat 22:34-40)
“Jesus said to him: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind,” (Mat 22:37).

“Love the Lord your God.” What God asks of all those who believe in Christ and receive His salvation is devoted love (cf. Deut 6:5; Rom 13:9-10; 1 Cor 13).

1• This love involves the affection of our hearts whereby God is so valued and esteemed that we long for His friendship, love Him with our obedience, and seek His honour and glory in the earth. If we truly love God, we will not shrink back from public identification with Him, even, to the point of suffering for His name and for righteousness’ sake.
2• Our love for God must be a wholehearted and dominating love, a love inspired by His love for us whereby He gave His Son for our sake (see John 3:16;8:32). Our love is to the kind of love expressed in Rom 12:1-2; 1 Cor 6:20; 10:31; 2 Cor 9:15; Eph 4:30; 5:1-2; Col 3:12-17.
3• Love for God includes: (a) a personal attachment of allegiance and loyalty to Him; (b) faith as a firm, unswerving adherence to the One to whom we are united by a Father-child relationship; (c) faithfulness to our commitment to Him; (d) heartfelt devotion, expressed in our dedication to His righteous standards amid a God-rejecting world; and (e) a desire for His presence and fellowship like that of a lovesick bride longing for the companionship of her bridegroom.

(4.2). Jesus Questions Peter (Read Jn 21:15-17)

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”’ He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs,” (John 21:15).

“Do you love Me?” The most important question that Peter ever faced was whether he possessed a devoted love for his Lord.
1• Two Greek words for “love” are used here. The first, agapa, means an intelligent and purposeful love, primarily of mind and will. The second, phile, involves warm natural affection of the emotions, thus a more personal and feeling love. Through these two words, Jesus indicates that Peter’s love must be not only of the will, but also of the heart, a love springing from both purpose and personal attachment.
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