Just how strong is our love for God? Most people would proclaim loud and long that their love for God is strong and firm. That is the way our love for God ought to be. There should never be any question of our love for God, and we sure should never give anyone reason to wonder about our love for God.

In one of his lessons, Jesus said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:16-20). The idea expressed here has to do with the actions of individuals and what is portrayed to others by those actions. So much is said by our actions.

Just how strong is our love for God when it comes to studying and obeying his word? In our busy world, many fail to study for themselves. This is dangerous; each person needs to study the Bible to know what God wants them to do for his or her salvation. We need to know we are doing spiritual things according to God’s way and not man’s way (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Bible is a tool just like tools we use in other aspects of life. A carpenter needs a hammer, a cook needs pans, a painter needs brushes, and a Christian needs a Bible. The carpenter, cook and painter need to know how to use the tools of their professions. Likewise, the Christian needs to know how to use the Bible.

The Bible needs to be used offensively and defensively. The solider needs protection against the enemy’s weapons; God has provided his soldiers with the armor they need. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:11-18).

The Bible shows us individuals who wanted to serve God their ways. King Saul was one such person. Saul wanted the blessings of God and wanted to serve God as long as it fit in his schedule. On one occasion, he was to wait for Samuel to come and offer up sacrifices for him, but he chose to offer the sacrifice himself (1 Samuel 3). Later, this same king was told to totally destroy a people, but he decided to save some of the best things (1 Samuel 15). Now Saul wanted to proclaim his love and service to God, but his fruit showed a different story.

We must never forget that we were created to worship and love God. We are the creation, he is the creator. We are to serve him. All the blessings that his word tells us about are there for us if we will follow him. The world has the idea that man can do just about whatever he wants and God still will save him. God has never promised salvation to one who will not obey Him. “Not everyone that saith unto me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). God’s desire is for our salvation. We must have faith in God, repent of our sins, confess that Jesus is God’s son and be baptized for the remission of our sins.

God’s love for us is strong. How strong is our love for God?