8.3 To Love God
Love Cannot Be Forced
Read Matthew 22:37 and Deuteronomy 6:4–5. What do these verses teach about the reality of free will?
The verses in Matthew 22:37 and Deuteronomy 6:4–5 show that God links the greatest commandment to a conscious decision: “You shall love the Lord your God…” This call confirms the reality of free will, because true love is only possible when it is given voluntarily.
God could use His omnipotence to make every person love Him—but He does not. Why? Because love that is forced is not genuine love. A robot can be programmed to say, “I love you,” but it would have no value. Likewise, forced love would neither honor God nor enable a true relationship.
Free will is therefore an essential part of faith. God invites us to love Him, but He does not force us. Every individual has the choice whether to love God and trust Him. This also means that some will deliberately choose against Him. But true love—the love God desires from us—arises from a free and sincere decision of the heart.
This idea has profound implications for our lives: our relationship with God is not defined by fear or compulsion, but by the freedom to respond to His love. The question is not whether God loves us—He has already proven that. The question is whether we will return His love of our own free will.
Read Hebrews 6:17–18 and Titus 1:2. What do these texts teach us about God?
The verses in Hebrews 6:17–18 and Titus 1:2 reveal a fundamental truth about God’s nature: God does not lie and never breaks His promises. His assurances are not dependent on human fickleness; they are based on His absolute faithfulness. This means that God is completely trustworthy—if He promises something, He will fulfill it.
One of God’s greatest promises is the free will He has given to us humans. Yet precisely because God does not lie and always remains faithful to His promises, He will not simply revoke or manipulate free will. If He grants us the freedom to choose, then He will also allow us to bear the consequences of our decisions—even if they go against His ideal will.
This shows a profound truth: not everything that happens is God’s will. Many things in the world do not occur because God wants them to, but because humans use their freedom in a way that goes against God’s original plan. Nevertheless, God remains faithful, accompanies us, and always offers us a way back to Him.
This realization reminds us that God’s promises are unchanging, but our decisions play a part. It is not up to God how we use our free will—but He always remains the same, full of truth, love, and mercy. He keeps His promises, even though we often fail.
What have you done, knowing God did not want you to do it? What does this teach us about the reality—and the potentially terrible consequences—of free will?
This question leads us to a profound reflection on free will and the responsibility that comes with it. Everyone has made decisions in life that they knew did not align with God’s will. Whether it was words spoken in anger, actions driven by selfishness, or paths taken despite a warning conscience—free will enables us to do both good and bad.
The Bible repeatedly shows that God gives us freedom but also allows us to face the consequences of our choices (Galatians 6:7: “For whatever one sows, that will he also reap”). When we deliberately act against God’s will, we often experience painful outcomes—not because God wants to punish us, but because every action has natural consequences. A lie can destroy trust; bad decisions can ruin relationships; a life far from God can lead to inner emptiness and hopelessness.
Even though free will can be dangerous, it is also a gift. It not only allows us to make mistakes but also to consciously return to God. God forces no one to repent, but He offers it time and again (1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins”).
This reality reminds us of two things:
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Free will is precious and must be used responsibly. We cannot simply do whatever we want without facing the consequences.
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God’s love and grace are greater than our failures. Even when we stray from His path, He always gives us the chance to come back.
Ultimately, free will teaches us that God desires genuine relationships—relationships based on love, not compulsion. He waits for us to come to Him willingly, no matter what choices we have made in the past.
The truth that God has endowed us with free will and does not force our love has far-reaching implications for our daily lives and our faith. It shows that our relationship with God—like any meaningful human relationship—is based on voluntary devotion and genuine trust.
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Faith as a conscious decision
Every day we face the choice: Will we follow God’s way or our own will? Faith is not a one-time decision but a daily reorientation of our hearts. Loving God is not just words; it involves concrete actions that show we truly put Him first.
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Responsibility for our actions
Because God grants us freedom, we are also responsible for our decisions. We cannot blame God’s will when we make mistakes or choose the wrong path. Our free will means we are able to make decisions—but also that we must live with the consequences.
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Love in interpersonal relationships
Just as God does not force us to love Him, we should not force others—whether in matters of faith or daily interactions. True love can only be given voluntarily. This means we should not manipulate or control others but treat them with respect and patience—just as God does with us.
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God’s faithfulness despite our failures
Even when we distance ourselves from God, His love remains. God always gives us a new chance to return to Him. This means we are never hopeless—no matter how far we have strayed, God always waits with open arms.
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The value of repentance and forgiveness
Free will not only allows us to fail but also to rise again. Any decision that has led us away from God can be corrected through a conscious turning back to Him. God does not force repentance, but He always offers us the opportunity to start anew.
Conclusion
God’s love is a gift that must be received voluntarily. Every day, we have the choice to respond to His invitation or to go our own way. Free will is a great responsibility, but it is also an opportunity—an opportunity to encounter God with a genuine, free, and loving heart.
