In the journey of faith, there may be times when we are faced with the challenge of prioritizing our love and devotion.
Daily Devotional for July 2
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37)
God is our Goal
It’s crucial to understand that Jesus is not disregarding the significance of our relationships with our family and loved ones. Instead, He emphasizes that our love for God should surpass all other affections. God is the ultimate goal we are striving for, and our family is our fellow travelers on this journey.
When we prioritize God above all else, we maintain a proper perspective (Matthew 6:33). Our relationships become blessings and gifts from God rather than idols that hold us captive. We recognize that our loved ones are entrusted to us by God, and we are called to love and care for them faithfully.
Fellow Travelers to the Goal
However, when we place our relationships before God, we risk losing sight of His will and purpose for our lives. We may become trapped in the fear of losing those relationships, and their absence or changes can become devastating. Our lives become consumed by the pursuit of maintaining or controlling those connections rather than seeking God’s guidance and trusting Him.
What Should I Love First?
Love God first because He is the ultimate goal of your life. And then love your loved ones with divine love because they are God’s gift to you.
Christ, above all, does not diminish our capacity to love others. Instead, it orders our affections in alignment with God’s design. When God is our priority, our relationships are enriched and guided by His love and wisdom. We experience a freedom that allows us to love others selflessly and sacrificially without clinging to them as our ultimate source of fulfillment.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
As we journey through life, remember that God must always come first. Through this prioritization, our relationships with others find their proper place, and we experience the love, joy, and peace God desires for us.
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, You alone deserve our highest love and devotion. Help us to understand the wisdom in Jesus’ words, that our love for You must surpass all other affections. Teach us to order our relationships in alignment with Your will so that we may love our family and loved ones with selflessness and grace. Guide us, Lord, to keep You as our ultimate goal and source of strength. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
