The Three Dimensions of Love

Today's Word of Wonder: Devotion

The Scripture Spotlight for Today

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
— Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

The Devotion: The Command for Completeness

When we are asked to love someone, we usually think of a single emotion—a feeling of affection or fondness. But God's command to love is not a vague sentiment; it is a total devotion that engages every dimension of our being. This verse is known as the Shema (Hebrew for "Hear"), and it calls for a love that is comprehensive, leaving nothing reserved.

Notice the three specific areas God demands:

1. All Your Heart (The Core of Desire): This is the seat of your desires, your passions, and your inner will. Loving God with your whole heart means directing your deepest longings toward Him. What do you truly chase? Where do you find your ultimate value? Your heart must be set on The One Thing (Psalm 27:4).
   
   
2. All Your Soul (The Essence of Life): This refers to your life itself—your breath, your personhood, your inner self. Loving God with your whole soul means dedicating the essence of your existence, your very identity, to Him. It affects your purpose and your destiny.
   
   
3. All Your Strength (The Scope of Action): This refers to your resources—your physical energy, your time, your money, and your talents. Loving God with your strength means putting effort into His commands. It means actively doing the work of kindness (Ephesians 4:32) and living with conscious Intention (Romans 13:14).

A WOW Moment is realizing that fragmented love leads to a fragmented life. When you hold back a portion of your heart, soul, or strength, you introduce instability and anxiety. But when you align all three dimensions in total Devotion to God, you find the complete peace and fullness He designed you for.

Wonder Prompt (Actionable Reflection)

Look at your life as having three parts: your Heart (inner thoughts/desires), your Soul (identity/purpose), and your Strength (actions/time).

• Which of the three dimensions feels the most reserved or held back from God right now?

• Commit to one small, concrete action today that brings that specific dimension into full Devotion (e.g., Heart: replace a worried thought with a thankful prayer; Strength: spend 10 minutes on a service task instead of a distraction).