Deuteronomy 6:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What does it signify to love 'with all' (Psalm 110:1)? It implies a complete willingness and fervor, unhindered by earthly concerns, focused on mourning, and liberating the spirit from the constraints of the body. ‘With the heart’ indicates that this love is not merely expressed through speech or lip service, but comes from the depths of one's intellect and spirit. As Moses instructed, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul.’ See Matthew 22:37.

When there is a specific earthly desire present, which is naturally restrained by self-denial, one's love for God is not complete. The flesh cannot long for anything apart from the soul, regardless of the emphasis placed on the cravings of the flesh, for it is through the flesh that the soul yearns. Thus, the just individual will be entirely free from sin, as there will be no law within his body opposing the law of his mind (cf. Rom. 7:23). With all his heart, all his soul, and all his mind (cf. Matt. 22:37), he will love God, fulfilling the foremost commandment.

It can be grasped that the notion of the Trinity relates to the soul, as we are instructed to love God in three dimensions: with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind.

If someone does not love God with all his heart and mind, how can he truly and honestly extend that love to his brothers without genuinely fulfilling it? It is through this love that he also nurtures this love. The architect of wickedness, upon discovering a person who has not completely devoted his soul to God and has not fully embraced His love, seizes the opportunity to entice them with malevolent thoughts.

It is indeed remarkable to express your gratitude and obligation to humanity. However, the most beautiful act is to consecrate your most valued possession, your soul, to God, as there is nothing more precious. Once you have fulfilled your obligation to your Creator, let your actions be focused on doing good and assisting those around you in need—whether through financial support, fulfilling responsibilities, or offering gifts. There are countless ways to serve in your ministry: providing financial aid to relieve someone's burden, and fulfilling your duties to safeguard what others have entrusted to you and fear losing.

The commandment, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart" (Deut. 6:5), prompts reflection on its true meaning. The Lord has made it clear that "no one can serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24). Thus, this teaching instructs us not to split our affections between God and material wealth, between God and our spouses, between God and our children, or between God and our friends. Instead, we are called to direct the entirety of our love towards God, who is our Creator. Following our devotion to God, we should honor and care for our parents, spouses, children, siblings, and friends, ensuring that each relationship receives its due love, for genuine love for God necessitates fulfilling these obligations as well. It is also stated, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). The commandments of God include the imperative to love our neighbors.

This statement accurately reflects the experience of every believer, as genuine confession arises from the deepest parts of the soul, in accordance with the Law, which states, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength.’ A person who confesses wholeheartedly and places unwavering trust in the Lord, rather than seeking solace in the fleeting comforts of this life, demonstrates a complete dedication of their entire being to God.

God commands humanity to engage in intelligent, heartfelt, and soulful prayer as affirmed in both the Old and New Testaments. “You shall love the Lord your God,” He instructs, “with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength. This is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30, Deuteronomy 6:5). It is clear that fulfilling this greatest and most profound commandment can only be achieved through sincere prayer that engages the intellect, heart, and soul, allowing the individual to transcend all earthly distractions and wholly seek God. In this pursuit, the praying person finds an unexpected unity within themselves and experiences healing through the gentle touch of God’s presence.

When the spirit became aware and responsive to the covenant, the first realization that emerged was an awareness of God's unique grace, evident in His choice, redemption, and safeguard—signifying His remarkable closeness (Numbers 10:35-36, Numbers 16:3; Deuteronomy 4, 7)—and their identity as children of God (Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 1:31, Deuteronomy 14:1). Each Israelite, alongside the whole nation, declared, 'My God is my God, the God of my father' (Exodus 15:2). This realization naturally inclined the soul towards a loving and grateful relationship with God, who revitalized and restored the troubled spirit of Israel, enabling him to walk with dignity (Leviticus 26:13).

The directive to love the Lord God with a total and unwavering heart springs from the truth of His absolute oneness. Since the Lord God stands as the singular being with no equal, the origin of all creation, and the fountain of life and goodness for all, it naturally follows that He must be cherished above all else. Nothing in the heavens or on the earth deserves our love to the same degree as the one true God. While created beings may possess various admirable qualities, the Creator, who graciously imparts those qualities, is infinitely more perfect. Regardless of the abundance and splendor of worldly goods, they diminish in comparison to the greatness of the singular supreme good embodied in God. Thus, our love for Him should be total, encompassing our entire being and undivided heart.